Experiencing grief can often feel unfamiliar or unknown, filled with complex emotions and a profound sense of loss. It is an individual and deeply personal journey. Whether you're mourning the passing of a loved one, coping with a significant life change, or processing an intangible loss, grief can permeate every aspect of your life.
Grief
Different Types of Grief
Anticipatory Grief
Experienced before an expected loss, such as when someone is terminally ill. It involves a process of mourning and preparing for the inevitable loss.
Complicated Grief
Involves persistent, intense, and prolonged grief reactions that impair daily functioning and do not diminish over time. This can include prolonged intense sorrow, difficulty accepting the loss, or extreme preoccupation with the deceased.
Disenfranchised Grief
Occurs when a person experiences a loss that is not socially recognized or validated, such as the loss of a pet, a non-marital relationship, or a non-traditional loss.
The Process of Grieving
As people cope with their grief they enter different stages of the grieving process. I am here to help support you no matter which stage you find yourself in. Below are the common stages of grief - they are not linear and often people will jump from stage to stage depending on a variety of factors.
Shock and Denial
Initially, there might be shock or disbelief, with an inability to fully grasp the reality of the loss.
Anger
Feelings of anger, frustration, or resentment might emerge, directed towards oneself, others, or even the deceased.
Bargaining
Attempting to negotiate or bargain to reverse or prevent the loss. This stage may involve thoughts of "if only" or "what if" scenarios.
Depression
Feelings of profound sadness, emptiness, or despair about the loss.
Acceptance
Gradually coming to terms with the reality of the loss, finding ways to adjust, and learning to live with the new reality.
Possible Consequences
Emotional
Intense sadness, anxiety, guilt, anger, or numbness. Grief can also trigger mood swings and feelings of loneliness.
Physical
Grief can manifest physically with symptoms like fatigue, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, headaches, or other physical ailments.
Cognitive
Difficulty concentrating, memory issues, or feelings of confusion might arise.
Social
Grief can affect relationships, leading to withdrawal, difficulty connecting with others, or strain in interpersonal relationships