Grief & Loss
WHAT IS GRIEF?
Grief is an experience of emotion and sadness that can result after the death of a loved one, a pet, or the ending of a relationship or experience. Grief can show up in a variety of forms, including shock, anger, guilt, denial, profound sadness, or present in the physical, with issues in sleep, appetite, energy level, weight loss, mental clarity, etc. There are many ways that people express grief, and despite the "stages of grief" being widely discussed, the experience is so different from one person to the next.
Our subconscious mind generates grief in order that we cause a connection with the person in a way that is no longer possible. Even though we consciously know this is not possible, part of the mind can sometimes lag behind, causing that difficulty in acceptance of the loss.
SIGNS THAT I MIGHT NEED PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT
Grief can be painful, long-lasting and severe for some people, and can even get in the way of normal life functioning or the will to go on. This can be referred to as complicated grief or frozen grief. Here are some signs that you may be experiencing this or need some extra support to heal from your grief:
HOW TO HEAL FROM GRIEF AND LOSS
It is said that time heals all wounds, however, this isn't the case. People shift their perspective, process emotions and unfinished business, and clear themselves of pre-occupations that can hinder full healing. This brings them to a place of peace, love and acceptance about the loss. People do this in many different ways, not limited to:
NEXT STEPS:
To explore if counselling is a good fit for you, and learn about what FreeMind can offer you in healing from grief, schedule a free 15min consultation with one of our Counsellors. We would be happy to explore where you are at and what might be the best next step for you on your journey to healing.
Grief is an experience of emotion and sadness that can result after the death of a loved one, a pet, or the ending of a relationship or experience. Grief can show up in a variety of forms, including shock, anger, guilt, denial, profound sadness, or present in the physical, with issues in sleep, appetite, energy level, weight loss, mental clarity, etc. There are many ways that people express grief, and despite the "stages of grief" being widely discussed, the experience is so different from one person to the next.
Our subconscious mind generates grief in order that we cause a connection with the person in a way that is no longer possible. Even though we consciously know this is not possible, part of the mind can sometimes lag behind, causing that difficulty in acceptance of the loss.
SIGNS THAT I MIGHT NEED PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT
Grief can be painful, long-lasting and severe for some people, and can even get in the way of normal life functioning or the will to go on. This can be referred to as complicated grief or frozen grief. Here are some signs that you may be experiencing this or need some extra support to heal from your grief:
- You have pre-existing mental health issues that are being exacerbated by grief
- You have ruminating thoughts about the loss with little relief
- Excess focus or avoidance of reminders
- Intense sadness leading to prolonged loss of interest in activities
- Isolation as a result of the loss
- Prolonged struggle to enjoy activities or connect with others since the loss
- Difficulty with normal tasks and routines (like cooking, attending work, etc.)
- Ongoing feelings of guilt or regret related to the death or loved one
- Questioning the purpose of life or thoughts of ending your life
HOW TO HEAL FROM GRIEF AND LOSS
It is said that time heals all wounds, however, this isn't the case. People shift their perspective, process emotions and unfinished business, and clear themselves of pre-occupations that can hinder full healing. This brings them to a place of peace, love and acceptance about the loss. People do this in many different ways, not limited to:
- Talk about the loved one or the loss with others who knew the person
- Get support from friends and family
- Read a self-help book on grief
- See your doctor for advice and support
- Take care of your physical health and wellness
- Exercise - running, the gym, biking, hiking, etc.
- Hydration - drink enough water
- Balanced nutrition - required for optimal emotional processing
- Grief support group
- Mindfulness activities - yoga, meditation, prayer
- Faith-based activities - church/temple/mosque, care groups, etc.
- See a Counsellor to help you process the grief, and any stuck emotions
- Traditional talk therapy
- Non-directive approaches
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- EMDR
- Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT)
NEXT STEPS:
To explore if counselling is a good fit for you, and learn about what FreeMind can offer you in healing from grief, schedule a free 15min consultation with one of our Counsellors. We would be happy to explore where you are at and what might be the best next step for you on your journey to healing.