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Grief and Loss

What is it? 

We all face numerous losses throughout our lives. It could be losing a job, losing a home, or ending a relationship. Grief is a natural and common emotional response the body and mind experiences to navigate the stress of the loss. The loss can trigger the grieving process that can affect our way of living, both at home, with loved ones, and at work/school.

Symptoms of Grief

Despite grief being a normal human experience, it can still be overwhelming and stressful, especially if the event that triggered the grief is complex and or traumatic. The experience of grief could become prolonged and dominate ones thoughts and feelings, making it difficult to focus or be present in other facets of life. Symptoms of acute and prolonged grief are: 

  • Shock/Disbelief

  • Anger towards the event or others

  • Guilt about the event

  • Sadness

  • Fear about other changes or repeated loss

  • Depression episodes

  • Increased Fatigue

  • Sleep disruption

  • Appetite changes

  • Feeling distracted

  • Forgetfulness

Treatment

Grief is very manageable when there is appropriate support for yourself and from others. The goal for healing from grief is not to simply cope with it or make it go away, but to adapt to it– learn how to accept the changes of the loss and renew the sense of thriving in your changed world.  Treatment may include:

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  • Therapy (especially Emotion-focused and Insight-Oriented therapies)

  • Staying connected with loved ones who can empathize as well as help take your mind off things

  • Maintain balanced and healthy routines (exercise, healthy sleep, nutrition)

  • track a series of healing milestones, such as feeling less upset more frequently

  • Openly expressing your various emotions with others or with journaling

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With the right support, individuals can begin to reconnect with themselves, find acceptance of the loss, and move forward with a new and calmer view of the world. All of our therapists at Authentic Connection are capable and comfortable addressing these concerns. Specific therapists who specialize with grief and loss concerns are Philip, Laura, and Dr. Sherd. 

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