Loss is built into our human experience: it is part of the deal. Everything and everyone that is dear to us, we will one day be separated from. Because loss is built in, our ability to grieve is also built in. Where we love, we will grieve and where we grieve, we have loved.
Unfortunately, we live in a society that does not allow room for our natural grieving process. Grief takes its own time and is an ongoing process. Particularly when it comes to the loss of a loved one, we do not "get over" the loss, but we come to a point in the grieving process where we can feel more of the love than the pain.
Common aspects of grief experiences can be physical, emotional, or social.
A few common experiences in these categories are:
Physical
- Crying that feels out of control
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Weakness
- Fatigue
Emotional
- Feelings of sadness and yearning
- Feelings of worry or anger
- Feelings of frustration or guilt
Social
- Feeling detached from others
- Self-isolation from social contact
- Behaving in ways that are not normal for you
Every grieving experience is different. A person may be able to continue their day-to-day routine after one loss, yet not be able to get out of bed after the loss of someone else. Whatever your personal experience is, grief and bereavement counseling have been proven to help.
If you are experiencing grief-related thoughts, behaviors, or feelings that are distressing, please contact me today for a free consultation