A DEEP, PHYSICAL HURT

Grief is difficult to understand until you have experienced an important loss such as the death of a loved one. Until then, one does not really understand the depth of pain that comes with grieving. You hurt in a deep, physical way that can be felt all over your body. This pain feels unbearable at times. You may become frightened and try to distract or close off these emotions in fear it will take over your whole life. If you try to avoid the emotional process of grieving, oftentimes you may experience increased anxiety, depression, or compulsive behaviors. It is healthy and natural to mourn our losses. Over time, the grieving process becomes soothing and connects us to what we have lost rather than closing us off from it.

Are you experiencing some of these feelings?

• Shock– the initial reaction of being stunned or numb (difficulty making decisions)
• Disbelief – feeling that the death is surreal or did not really happen.
• Helplessness – difficulty in performing activities of daily living
• Hopelessness – feelings that life may not be worth living
• Forgetfulness – unable to finishing what is started, absentmindedness
• Fearfulness – that someone else will die or that they are going “crazy”.
• Restlessness – inability to sit still or concentrate or maintain focus.
• Anger – that the death has occurred or that the person has left them.
• Guilt – over what was left unsaid or undone in the relationship.
• Emptiness – felt physically in the chest or stomach or other physical symptoms.
• Pain – the experience physical pain (felt in chest or stomach).
  
• Tearfulness – burst of emotions at unexpected times.
  
• Yearning or longing – aching for one more touch.
  
• Depression – experience sleep/appetite changes/low energy/sad mood, etc.
  
• Anxiety – feeling pressured to get control of emotions and be “normal” again.

HOW PSYCHOTHERAPY CAN HELP WITH GRIEF AND LOSS

Even though well-meaning, few people understand what it is like to grieve and most prefer avoiding the topic altogether. You may be feeling alone and have a sense that others are uncomfortable or inpatient when you discuss your feelings. Therapy gives you a place where you can relax, learn about the process and express your feelings openly. Your therapist will be an objective and knowledgeable companion who encourages and supports you along the way. It can be a great relief to have a therapist patiently provide guidance through complicated emotions. You do not have to be alone on this journey. Let us help!