Many of us will encounter grief at some point in our lives.
Losing someone is a profoundly difficult experience that can lead us to come face-to-face with uncertainty and instability, as we grapple with the changes in our daily routines, relationships, meaning and sense of identity. This can be further complicated by the circumstances, timing, relationships and any previous or existing trauma.
Grief can also manifest in various other forms, such as the loss of a job, a breakup, illness or other major life transitions and can be sudden or prolonged. In any of these situations, therapy can offer a safe space to explore these feelings, develop coping strategies, and find ways to honour ourselves and the memory of what's been lost.
You don’t have to cope with it alone, please reach out when you feel ready to.
To begin the process, you can schedule a free 20-minute consultation call here
Grieving is a personal experience that affects people differently and there is no right or wrong way through it.
Here are some common signs of grief:
1. A strong desire to withdraw socially and avoid others: Wanting to be alone, avoiding social gatherings and activities, preferring to isolate from friends and family especially when you don't feel your grief is understood.
2. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions: Trouble focusing on work or daily tasks, remembering details or making plans.
3. Feeling angry or irritable: Frustration and anger at the unfairness of the situation, and at oneself, others or even one's faith.
4. Guilt or regret: Feelings of guilt about things left unsaid or undone, feeling like you should have done things differently and lack of closure.
5. Insomnia or lack of sleep: Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing nightmares related to the loss.
6. Loss of appetite or overeating: Changes in appetite, digestion, routine and energy levels as a result of the emotional upheaval.
7. Denial or disbelief that the loss has occurred: Difficulty accepting the reality and full impact of the loss, and the feeling that it just can't be true.
8. Numbness or feeling emotionally disconnected: The feeling of being a spectator in one’s own life, everything appears as if in slow-motion.
9. Reduction in energy or motivation: Loss of interest, and motivation to do things that used to be enjoyable or necessary, difficulty with daily tasks.
10. Intense sadness or depression: A deep feeling of sorrow, despair, or hopelessness that can be overwhelming and difficult to shake off.
Everyone experiences grief differently, and these are just some common signs that someone might experience.
It is important to seek professional help if the grief becomes overwhelming or begins to interfere with your daily functioning.