Grief and Loss
There is no right or wrong way to grieve after a loss.
Grief is a normal and natural response to a loss of something or someone close or special to you. You may think of grief happening only after a death of someone. However, you can experience grief after many different types of losses, including:
- Divorce or breakup of relationship
- loss of job
- miscarriage
- retirement
- moving away
- loss of safety after a trauma
- declining or losing health
- the loss of a friendship
- losing a dream
There is no right or wrong way to grieve after a loss.
Researchers have tried to figure out the "right way" to grieve - you may have heard of "the 5 stages of grief": denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Unfortunately, grief can't be put into a nice neat little package like that. The grieving process can be messy, painful, and it is most certainly different for everyone.
Let me say that again, there is no right or wrong way to grieve. The process is different for everyone.
Coping with grief
Everyone has an individual style of coping with painful experiences. The list below may help you generate ideas about how to manage your feelings of grief.
- Talk to family or friends
- Seek counseling
- Read poetry or books
- Engage in social activities
- Exercise
- Eat healthy, good foods
- Seek spiritual support
- Take time to relax
- Join a support group
- Listen to music
- Be patient with yourself
- Let yourself feel grief
If grief is normal, then why would I need to see a therapist?
Sometimes grief can get complicated.
Sometimes you don't have enough support around you to help you through the process.
Sometimes you might feel to ashamed or embarrassed about the feelings that can come up when you are grieving.
Sometimes grief can get in the way of you functioning in your day to day life.
If any of the above are true - it is ok to reach out and get help from someone who is trained to listen. Someone who will walk with you as you mourn the loss and learn to live with a "new normal."
