Grief
“There is no grief like the grief that does not speak.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Grief
Loss affects us all eventually, but people have different ways of processing their emotions after the end of a relationship, death of a loved one, or dissolution of a marriage. For most of us, grief encompasses a continuum of feelings, including anger, guilt, regret, sadness and yearning.
As you move through the stages of grief, you may find your mental state shifting in strength from one day to the next. You could feel normal at one moment, then in the next, struggle with a nearly overwhelming rush of sorrow. Grief can also be confusing, causing you to bounce between different thoughts as you struggle to get a handle on the extent of your loss.
Client Testimonial
“
Mary was instrumental in helping me through a time of mourning after a tragic accident. She is incredibly skilled and sensitive and always gave practical tools to help me on my growth journey.
“
-SR
There is also a wide range of ways to cope with grief. Some people draw strength from others, finding comfort in sharing their feelings with family members or close friends. Others may become more withdrawn and retreat into solitary activities like drawing or taking long walks. Your style of grieving, whether it is emotional or cognitive, plays a role as well.
Do You Need Grief Counseling?
Recovering from a loss is one of the most significant challenges in life. It’s understandable you might feel the need for additional support from a professional therapist, especially if your grief is particularly prolonged or traumatic. However, therapy can be a beneficial way to progress through all types and degrees of grief.
You might need to seek professional help if your grief is causing you to have issues like:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Difficulty focusing on daily tasks
- Feeling that your life has lost meaning
- Increased irritability and anger
- Addictive behaviors
- Lack of self-care
You Are Not Alone
The more support and understanding you can get in your grieving process, the easier it will be for you to cope with your loss. Therapy provides you with a non-judgmental environment to express your emotions and talk about confidential thoughts or feelings you do not feel comfortable sharing with others. When your days seem dark due to loss and sadness, don’t let sorrow consume you — make an appointment for professional help.
