Grief is the term used to describe our reactions to a loss, that include thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and physical symptoms. Although loss is a common human experience, grief can be complex, confusing, and multi-faceted, and completely different to other people’s experience.
We normally associate grief and loss with a death of a loved one or someone close, however it is presented in many other types of losses.
Types of loss
- Death of a loved one (including a pet, miscarriage)
- Relationship loss which leads to changes and loss of roles/aspect of self
- Development loss, moving house, changing schools, retirement
- Loss of a treasured object, photos, family heirloom
- Secondary losses that occur because of the primary loss i.e. losing a partner may impact financial security, family structures, family roles
- Health loss due to an injury, accident, or medical condition
Grief symptoms
- Sadness
- Yearning & pining
- Anger & confusion
- Guilt & remorse
- Loneliness
- Numbness
- Feelings of disbelief
- Sleep & appetite disturbances
- Fatigue
- Social withdrawal
- Digestive problems
Self-care strategies
- Allow yourself time to grieve, there is no healing time frame
- Acknowledge that grief is a normal human process
- Connect with your emotions, write down what you are experiencing
- Be kind to yourself, treat yourself (massage, nature walks, movies, music)
- Stay connected with friends and family
- Limit alcohol & drugs
- Create positive, loving memories
- Look after your health, exercise, and eat well
- Understand that others may not know what to say to you. They may have the best intentions but fail to express them.
- Develop a consistent pattern of sleep
These reactions to loss are quite normal and natural, and in most cases a necessary part of the grieving process. Counselling can help you understand that grief is not a problem that needs to be solved, but a human experience that requires support, validation, acceptance, and recognition.
Contact us to book a 15 minute introductory call to see if our counselling services can help you achieve the outcome you desire.