Grief and Loss of all Kinds

Grief is the emotional response to any type of loss. Perhaps of a loved one due to death or divorce, but also the loss of a job, a pet, financial stability, or safety after trauma. Feelings of grief can be  overwhelming, and it can be hard to know how to manage and overcome these emotions. It is important to have patience with yourself and others during this process as it is a healthy part of healing. If you are having trouble coping on your own, or know of someone who could use extra support, a therapist can assist.

There is no orderly process of passing through stages of anger, denial and acceptance. Everyone experiences loss differently based on their personality, culture, and beliefs, among many other factors.

Common symptoms of grief include:

• Shock and disbelief: feeling numb about the event, having trouble believing it happened, denying it, or expecting to suddenly see the person you lost.
• Sadness: crying, or having feelings of emptiness, despair, yearning, or loneliness.
• Guilt: regret over things unsaid or undone, feeling responsible for the death or the event, or shame from feeling relieved by a person’s passing.
• Anger: blaming someone for injustice.
• Fear: feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and insecurity, or having panic attacks.
• Physical symptoms: fatigue, nausea, weight loss or gain, aches and pains, and insomnia.

Coping with Grief and Loss

An important part of healing is knowing that you are not alone. Seek support from your friends, family, or faith, or join a bereavement support group. Sharing your loss can make the grieving process easier. Remember to take care of yourself; to eat, sleep, and exercise even when you’re too stressed or fatigued to do so. A healthy alternative is to seek the help of a professional therapist. A therapist can help you work through your intense emotions in a safe environment.

 I do not have a magic wand to make grief a simple process. I do however possess an infinite supply of hope. I can share this hope with you and - together we can make every day more and more manageable. In doing so we will be tapping into your supply of hope. Loss is a deficit and in some situations it can be replaced, such as a fantastic life plan after retirement and the loss of a former lifestyle. Meanwhile, there are other kinds of loss that cannot be replaced such is the case with detrimental health news; or a child growing into adulthood. 

There is one major component these types of grief have in common: your perspective dictates the outcome. Finding that perspective might be difficult, confusing, scary and one day's attitude may contradict the next day's attitude. It is a process.

You will find a new form of happiness.