Grief and bereavement aren’t light-hearted topics. Bereavement refers to the process of recovering from the death of a loved one, or pet, and grief is a reaction to any form of loss. Both encompass a wide range of emotions such as fear, anger, and deep, deep sadness.
The process of adapting to a loss can dramatically change from person to person, depending on his or her background, beliefs, relationship with the person who’s passed, and other factors.
Common symptoms of grief can be physical, emotional, or social.
A few common symptoms in these categories are:
Physical
- Crying and sighing
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Weakness
- Fatigue
Emotional
- Feelings of sadness and yearning
- Feelings of worry or anger
- Feelings of frustration or guilt
Social
- Feeling detached from others
- Self-isolation from social contact
- Behaving in ways that are not normal for you
Every grieving experience is different. A person may be able to continue their day-to-day routine after one loss, yet not be able to get out of bed after the loss of someone else. The reality of grief is that it cannot be avoided, and it is in no way linear. Many people wonder if they are grieving the right way and if what they are experiencing is normal. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Grieving is a process of reconstructing meaning that has been challenged by loss. We can work together to redefine yourself, your role, and place in life.
If you are experiencing grief-related thoughts, behaviors, or feelings that are distressing, please get in touch with me today for a free consultation. Whatever your personal symptoms are, grief and bereavement counseling have been proven to help.