Grief and a sense of loss are normal responses after someone, or something has been taken away from you. Although these feelings are expected to occur, the negative effects can be profound and can produce a number of difficult and sometimes, unexpected, and challenging emotions such as:
- Extreme sadness
- Shock
- Anger
- Guilt
- Disbelief
Coupled with the emotional pain of loss, a person’s physical health can also be impacted. Some may find it difficult to eat as before, sleep, or think straight. Although these are all normal responses to loss, the more significant the loss, the more intense the grief can be. Any significant loss can cause grief. Some of the more common causes of grief include:
- Loss of a loved one
- Loss of a job
- The loss of pet
- A miscarriage
- Retirement
- The serious illness of a loved one
- Loss of feeling of safety after a trauma
- The sale of your family home
- Loss of financial stability, and more
Every loss is personal for the person experiencing it. Losing someone you love can be the most profound loss of all, we can however work towards easing your sorrow to find a new path forward that brings you greater peace. It is important to understand that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, or how long the grieving process will take. Whatever your loss, I will endeavor to create a safe place to express all the emotions you are experiencing. This can help provide the space you need to work through and accept the emotions you are going through and allow you to come to terms with your loss.
I can help you understand that accepting your loss in no way means that you have forgotten that loss. It is possible to move on with your life while keeping the memory of the person you have lost alive. Any grieving process takes time for which there is no ‘timetable.’ Together we can work through the process and allow the grieving to unfold naturally.
If you are unable to move passed some of the following emotional symptoms of grief, I will help you better understand and work through some of the symptoms such as:
- Profound sadness
- Guilt
- Shock and disbelief
- Anger
- Fear
Part of our work together in grief counselling will be to help you come to terms with your grief, help you cope with your pain, pick up the pieces, and eventually allow your life to move forward.
Yes, grief after a loss is normal for which there is no set timeline or a right or wrong way to grieve. It is also something that no one should have to go through alone. A strong support system along with close family and friends to talk to is important. In many cases however, this is not enough to get you through the grief of loss whether that is the loss of a loved one, a pet, a job, or any other loss. With many years of experience in helping adults and teens find a safe place to work through their loss, I am confident that I can help you forge a path towards a regained sense of peace and happiness.
