GRIEF
& LOSS

Move forward and find meaning.

What is Grief?

Grief is a natural and necessary part of the human experience. It is a reflection of the love, connection, and attachment we have with others. When we experience loss, it can be incredibly painful and disorienting.

During this time, it is important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Each person's experience of grief is unique, and there is no timeline or formula to follow. It is okay to take the time you need to honor your own process and healing journey.

It is also important to remember that grief is not something that can be "fixed" or "cured". Rather, it is a process of learning to live with the loss and adjusting to a new reality. Grief can be an opportunity to reflect on the meaning and significance of the relationship we had with the person who passed away, and to find ways to carry that love and connection forward in our lives.

“Grief is like the ocean; Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.”

—Vicki Harrison

What are the stages of Grief?

The stages of grief are not necessarily a linear progression, and not everyone experiences all of the stages or experiences them in the same order. Here is an overview of the stages of grief:

  1. Denial: Individuals may feel numb or in disbelief about the loss. They may find it difficult to accept what has happened and may deny that it has happened altogether.

  2. Anger: Individuals may experience feelings of anger, frustration, or irritability. They may direct these feelings towards themselves, others, or even the person who has died.

  3. Bargaining: Individuals may try to negotiate with a higher power or the universe to undo the loss or make it less painful. They may also try to bargain with themselves, such as making promises or setting goals in exchange for relief from their grief.

  4. Depression: This stage of grief is marked by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair. The individual may withdraw from social activities, experience changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and feel a sense of emptiness or guilt.

  5. Acceptance: This stage of grief is characterized by a gradual acceptance of the loss and an ability to move forward. This does not necessarily mean that the person has "gotten over" the loss, but rather that they have found a way to incorporate it into their life and find meaning or purpose in it.

  6. Meaning: The meaning stage is about finding a way to make sense of the loss and finding a new way to live life with the loss as a part of it. This may involve finding a sense of connection with others who have experienced similar losses, or finding ways to honor and remember the person who has died.

Remember, the stages of grief are not a one-size-fits-all approach, and people may experience grief in different ways depending on their personality, cultural background, and other individual factors.

How do I manage my Grief?

Grief is a complex and individual experience, and there is no single "right" way to manage it. However, here are some general tips that may be helpful in coping with grief:

Allow yourself to feel your emotions: Acknowledge the pain of your loss. This may involve crying, talking to someone about your feelings, or expressing your emotions through art or writing.

Take care of yourself: Grief can be physically and emotionally exhausting, so it's important to take care of yourself by eating well, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that bring you pleasure or relaxation.

Seek support: Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist who can offer a listening ear and help you process your emotions. Support groups can also be a helpful way to connect with others who have experienced similar losses.

Find healthy ways to cope: Engage in activities that help you cope with your grief, such as exercise, meditation, or journaling. Avoid using unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drugs or alcohol.

Be patient with yourself: Healing from grief takes time, and it's important to be patient and compassionate with yourself as you navigate the ups and downs of the grieving process.

Manage grief with counseling and support

Let us help you through your grief and discover a path forward.

How can I support someone who is grieving?

Supporting someone who is grieving can be challenging, but there are many ways you can offer comfort and help them through this difficult time. Here are some suggestions:

  • Simply being present and available can make a huge difference. Let the person know that you are there for them and are willing to listen and offer support.

  • Sometimes people just need someone to listen. Be there to listen to their stories, memories, and feelings, without judgment or interruption.

  • Be patient and understanding. Allow the person to grieve in their own way and on their own timeline. Do not judge or criticize.

  • Grief is not something that can be "fixed.” Avoid offering unsolicited advice or trying to find a solution to their pain. Instead, just be there to offer support and comfort.

  • Do regular check-ins. Let them know that you are still there and still care.

What do I say to someone who lost a loved one?

It can be difficult to know what to say. Here are some things you can say:

  • "I am so sorry for your loss."

  • "I am here for you."

  • "I can't imagine what you are going through, but I am here to support you."

Remember, simple statements are the best and watch out for “me” statements or stories about yourself.

FAQs about Grief

  • There is no set timeline for grief, and the length and intensity of grief can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the nature of the loss, the your personality and coping style, and the level of support you have.

  • It's important to remember that grief is a personal and individual experience, and there is no "normal" or "right" way to grieve.

  • Grief and depression are two distinct but related experiences that can share some overlapping symptoms, making it challenging to differentiate between them.

  • Normal Grief is a natural response to a loss and typically follows a predictable pattern of emotional, physical, and behavioral symptoms.

    Complicated Grief or Prolonged Grief is characterized by intense and prolonged symptoms that do not improve over time.

    Anticipatory Grief occurs when an individual is facing an expected loss. It can be a long and difficult process of coming to terms with the loss before it actually happens.

    Collective Grief occurs when a community or society experiences a shared loss, such as a natural disaster or pandemic.

    Ambiguous Grief occurs when an individual experiences a loss that is not clearly defined or acknowledged, which can make it difficult to come to terms with and grieve properly.

  • Grief counseling is covered under individual counseling.
    Click here to learn more about insurance and fees.

You don't have to grieve alone. Reach out for support.