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Grief and Loss
What is Grief?
Grief is an emotionally painful response to loss. It's one of the most complex, confusing, disorienting, and emotional experiences that we can ever deal with, and grief, at one time or another, happens to everyone. According to an article by Psychology Today: “Because grief obeys its own trajectory, there is no timetable for feelings of pain after loss; nor is it possible to avoid suffering altogether. In fact, attempts to suppress or deny grief are just as likely to prolong the process, while also demanding additional emotional effort.” This is why it's important to seek support when you are in bereavement.
Grief is for More Than Just Death
Feelings of grief aren't only experienced by those who lose a loved one who dies, grief is also experienced by those who are going through loss of a relationship (such as a breakup or divorce). One might experience grief after the loss of a job or after moving to a new location. Grief also encompasses the change that comes as a result of the loss. Things are no longer as familiar or comfortable as they were before and we are forced to adjust. Even good things like marriage and the arrival of children means the end of a former way of life that was familiar.
Finding Hope Through Loss
Finding support is such an important part of healing through grief. People can get stuck if they don't have the support they need during such a difficult time. A counselor can help you process your loss, honor yourself and your loved one, build a support system, and create new coping skills to help you heal. If you are a person of faith, spiritually-integrated counseling can help you find meaning in the midst of loss and hope to keep going. It doesn't mean forgetting those who have meant so much to you, but continuing to love them throughout your life moving forward.
Grief is an emotionally painful response to loss. It's one of the most complex, confusing, disorienting, and emotional experiences that we can ever deal with, and grief, at one time or another, happens to everyone. According to an article by Psychology Today: “Because grief obeys its own trajectory, there is no timetable for feelings of pain after loss; nor is it possible to avoid suffering altogether. In fact, attempts to suppress or deny grief are just as likely to prolong the process, while also demanding additional emotional effort.” This is why it's important to seek support when you are in bereavement.
Grief is for More Than Just Death
Feelings of grief aren't only experienced by those who lose a loved one who dies, grief is also experienced by those who are going through loss of a relationship (such as a breakup or divorce). One might experience grief after the loss of a job or after moving to a new location. Grief also encompasses the change that comes as a result of the loss. Things are no longer as familiar or comfortable as they were before and we are forced to adjust. Even good things like marriage and the arrival of children means the end of a former way of life that was familiar.
Finding Hope Through Loss
Finding support is such an important part of healing through grief. People can get stuck if they don't have the support they need during such a difficult time. A counselor can help you process your loss, honor yourself and your loved one, build a support system, and create new coping skills to help you heal. If you are a person of faith, spiritually-integrated counseling can help you find meaning in the midst of loss and hope to keep going. It doesn't mean forgetting those who have meant so much to you, but continuing to love them throughout your life moving forward.
Counselors who provide this service:
The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice; this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
