WHAT IS IT?

Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s the emotional suffering you feel when something or someone you love is taken away. You may experience all kinds of difficult and unexpected emotions, from shock or anger to disbelief, guilt, and profound sadness. Grief can also disrupt your physical health, making it difficult to sleep, eat, or even think straight. These are normal reactions to loss.

THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF GRIEF?

Yes, there are several types of grief with the death of a loved one being the most intense, but any loss can cause grief. Some examples include divorce, loss of health, losing a job, loss of financial stability, a miscarriage, retirement, death of a pet, loss of an important dream, a loved one’s serious illness, selling the family home, and loss of a friendship.

ARE MY EMOTIONS NORMAL?

Any emotions you experience after grief are normal because it is personal to you. Do not feel ashamed about how you feel, or believe that it’s only appropriate to grieve for certain things. If the loss was significant to you, it’s normal to grieve the loss you’re experiencing. Don’t let anyone tell you how to feel, and don’t tell yourself how to feel either. It’s okay to cry sometimes, and it’s okay to not cry sometimes.

HOW DO I COPE WITH GRIEF?

Whatever the cause of your grief, there are healthy ways to cope with the pain that can ease your sadness and help you come to terms with your loss, find new meaning, and eventually move on with your life. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Grief cannot be forced into a “normal” timetable.

It’s first most important to acknowledge your pain. Accept that grief can trigger many different and unexpected emotions. Understand that your grieving process with be unique to you. Then, seek out face-to-face support from people who care about you. Always support yourself emotionally by taking care of yourself physically. Recognize the difference between grief and depression.

The key is to not isolate yourself. Comfort can come from just being around others who care about you like friends and family. Accept that many people feel awkward trying to comfort someone who’s grieving, but don’t use that as an excuse to exclude yourself from social contact. Talking to a therapist or grief counselor is a great resource that can help you work through the intense emotions and obstacles that come with grief.

SYMPTOMS OF GRIEF.

Emotional symptoms of grief include: shock and disbelieve, sadness, guilt, fear, and anger. Physical symptoms include fatigue, nausea, lowered immunity, weight loss or gain, aches, and insomnia.