6 Hard Truths About Losing a Parent

Even imagining the loss of a parent can be unbearable. Parents often play a central role in our lives, and whether we’re close to them or not, losing someone who gave us life inevitably changes us. While everyone experiences grief differently, there are a few painful but universal truths about what it means to lose a parent.

1. You’ll Feel a New Kind of Loneliness

Most of us are familiar with the feeling of loneliness, but losing a parent introduces a deeper, more profound version of it. There’s an emptiness that comes from realizing they won’t return—a permanent absence that takes time to understand. Over time, the sharp pain softens, and life continues, but you carry this loss with you. Although the physical presence is gone, the emotional and spiritual connection—and the memories—remain.

2. Your Support System Changes

Parents are often our most trusted advisors and biggest cheerleaders. When you lose one, it may feel like you’ve lost your compass. It can be hard to move forward with your goals and dreams without their guidance. Still, their wisdom lives on in the lessons they taught you, and in the memories you shared. Though unseen, their support continues in the quiet ways they shaped who you are.

3. Emotional Breakdowns Are Normal

Grieving isn’t linear, and it’s not something anyone “gets right.” After losing a parent, you may feel emotionally drained, unmotivated, or overwhelmed—and that’s okay. Some days, getting out of bed may be an achievement. Give yourself grace and space to grieve. Healing takes time. Your parent would want you to continue living, even if that means starting with small steps.

4. You Never Truly Get Over It

One of the hardest truths is that you never fully “get over” losing a parent. The absence becomes part of your life story. But over time, you grow around the grief. You carry it differently. You’ll always feel that something is missing, but you’ll also gain strength from what they gave you. Their legacy lives in the way you love, laugh, and keep going.

5. You May Feel Insecure or Jealous

After losing a parent, seeing others with theirs may stir complex emotions—sadness, longing, or even jealousy. You might feel frustrated when others don’t seem to value their time with loved ones. Instead of resentment, try gentle encouragement. Remind others of the importance of a simple call, a shared meal, or heartfelt words. Cherishing time with loved ones is one of the greatest lessons loss can teach.

6. Regret Is Inevitable, but It’s Not the Whole Story

After a loss, it’s common to dwell on things left unsaid or undone—visits missed, trips postponed, words not spoken. But in the grand scope of your relationship, these are rarely the things your parent would focus on. They would remember the laughter, the hugs, and the meaningful moments you did share. Let those be the memories that guide your healing.

Grief Takes Time—and Help Is Available

Grieving is deeply personal. For some, it lasts weeks. For others, it may take years. There's no "right" timeline. You may begin to heal on your own, or you may find strength in working with a therapist or counselor. If you're struggling, you're not alone—and you don't have to go through it alone.

Services like BetterHelp, the world’s largest network of licensed therapists and counselors, can connect you with someone who understands. Whether online or in person, support is available.

Losing a parent reshapes your world. But even in the heartache, healing is possible. You can carry your parent’s love with you, and continue living a life they’d be proud of.