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At first you may feel shock or disbelief that a loss has…

“At first you may feel shock or disbelief that a loss has occurred or an inability to recognize that it was really a loss. You know you’re hurt, but you want to repress it, suppress it, ignore it, or deny it. Some people can do just that, but it’s healthier to recognize that you’ve sustained a…” quote by Susan J. Elliott
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““At first you may feel shock or disbelief that a loss has occurred or an inability to recognize that it was really a loss. You know you’re hurt, but you want to repress it, suppress it, ignore it, or deny it. Some people can do just that, but it’s healthier to recognize that you’ve sustained a loss. Keep in mind that even if you know it was for the best, you’ve still had a loss. What have you lost? At the very least you’ve lost the time, energy, and emotion you put into the relationship. You’ve also lost the hopes and dreams that you had in the beginning. You’ve lost the identity of the couple, and you may have lost mutual friends or family members of your ex’s that you liked.””

Susan J. Elliott

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Acknowledging loss is essential; denial only prolongs pain. Recognize what was lost, even if it seemed beneficial, to heal.

In simple terms: Accept loss to heal.

Key Takeaway

Name your loss, then process it.

Themes

grief acceptance self‑awareness

Mood

sad reflective

Type

advice therapeutic

When to use this quote

  • breakups
  • career setbacks
  • health diagnoses
  • financial loss

Key Concepts

psychology emotional intelligence

Questions to Reflect On

  • What loss are you avoiding?
  • How might acceptance change your next steps?
A Different Perspective

Denial can become a coping habit that delays recovery.

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