Grief Therapy
What is Grief?
Grief is a strong, sometimes overwhelming emotion for people, regardless of whether their sadness stems from the loss of a loved one or from a terminal diagnosis they or someone they love have received. Grief is sadness felt after suffering loss.
They might find themselves feeling numb and removed from daily life, unable to carry on with regular duties while saddled with their sense of loss.
Grief is the natural reaction to loss. Grief is both a universal and a personal experience. Individual experiences of grief vary and are influenced by the nature of the loss. Some examples of loss include the death of a loved one, the ending of an important relationship, job loss, loss through theft or the loss of independence through disability.
Experts advise those grieving to realize they can't control the process and to prepare for varying stages of grief. Understanding why they're suffering can help, as can talking to others and trying to resolve issues that cause significant emotional pain, such as feeling guilty for a loved one's death.
Untreated Grief Mourning can last for months or years. Generally, pain is tempered as time passes and as the bereaved adapts to life without a loved one, to the news of a terminal diagnosis or to the realization that someone they love may die. Reminders often bring back the pain of loss. Reminders can be anywhere
Certain reminders of your loved one might be inevitable, such as a visit to the loved one's grave, the anniversary of the person's death, holidays, birthdays or new events you know he or she would have enjoyed. Even memorial celebrations for others can trigger the pain of your own loss.
Reminders can also be tied to sights, sounds and smells — and they can be unexpected. You might suddenly be flooded with emotions when you drive by the restaurant your partner loved or when you hear your child's favorite song. One of the most frequent reminders are anniversaries. Anniversary reactions can last for days at a time or much longer.
Grief reaction is a whole person experience with both Physical and Mental symptoms. Physical Symptoms may include:
· Headache
· Dizziness
· Sever change in appetite
· Nausea and vomiting
· Insomnia or Hypersomnia (sleeplessness or too much sleep)
· Loss of desire for intimacy and sexual activities
· Unexplainable Physical pains and ache
· Fatigue
Emotional and Psychological Reactions to Grief may include:
· Poor attention and focus
· Difficulty to concentrate
· Obsessive thoughts
· Anger
· Anxiety
· Crying spells
· Los of energy
· Procrastination
· Loss of Enthusiasm and Interest
· Indifference
· Depression
· Fatigue
· Guilt
· Loneliness
· Suffering
· Sadness
· Trouble to fall in or stay sleep
· Difficulty in relationship and to participate in family activities
· Loss of interest in work and diminished productivity
What to do?!
What to do to manage Grief to a great extent depends on the Severity and Duration of the Grief. For some people, after Natural grieving runs its course, usually in few month, the healing process begins and normal life continues. The following measure can promote dealing with uncomplicated Grief.
· Be prepared. Anniversary reactions are normal. Knowing that you're likely to experience anniversary reactions can help you understand them and even turn them into opportunities for healing.
· Plan a distraction. Schedule a gathering or a visit with friends or loved ones during times when you're likely to feel alone or be reminded of your loved one's death.
· Reminisce about your relationship. Focus on the good things about your relationship with your loved one and the time you had together, rather than the loss. Write a letter to your loved one or a note about some of your good memories. You can add to this note anytime.
· Start a new tradition. Make a donation to a charitable organization in your loved one's name on birthdays or holidays, or plant a tree in honor of your loved one.
· Connect with others. Draw friends and loved ones close to you, including people who were special to your loved one. Find someone who'll encourage you to talk about your loss. Stay connected to your usual support systems, such as spiritual leaders and social groups. Consider joining a bereavement support group.
· Allow yourself to feel a range of emotions. It's OK to be sad and feel a sense of loss, but also allow yourself to experience joy and happiness. As you celebrate special times, you might find yourself both laughing and crying.
When to Call Sunshine behavioral Medicine?
For some people Grief is severe and protracted. Severe and Longstanding grief is also called Complicated Grief. That is when the symptoms are severe enough to effect the person, the family and leisure and work activities. In these situations, like many other human conditions, “Will Power” can go so far and professional help might be necessary. Complicated Grief is a medical condition in need of professional help. If you feel that you are in need of professional help to overcome your grief, please call us at 850.360.4147 for an appointment.
Contact us to schedule your assessment.