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Grief & Healing

If you are suffering from a loss, we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family.

 

No one can understand the depth of your pain right now; losing a loved one is one of the most trying and painful experiences a person will ever have to endure. The pain of losing someone is different for all, and everyone has their own way of trying to deal with this grief, so do not try to compare your grief with others’.

Grief is a journey that varies for everyone. For most, it is a journey of acceptance and healing. At the beginning of this journey some people may start out angry, others may feel guilty and some may downplay the loss as if it does not bother them. No one feeling is right or wrong; however there are healthy ways to cope when you feel all is lost.

How you grieve depends on many things including your personality, life experience, coping style, your faith and the nature of the loss. The timeframe for each individual’s grief is also different, some people may begin to feel better in weeks or months and for others it may take years. It is important to be patient with yourself and others and let the grieving process take its course as long as it is it not physically or mentally harmful.

You may hear people talk about the stages of grief, they are what most studies point to when they discuss emotions and grieving, but most people do not experience the same emotions and they certainly do not do it in any type of order or stage. Some people will resolve their grief without going through any stage, so do not worry about if you are feeling what someone says you “should” be, just remember to express what you are feeling.

 

A Few of the Most Common Symptoms of Grief

 

Shock and disbelief – Right after the loss occurs it can be hard to accept what is happening, you may feel like you are in a bad dream or even question your religious belief.

Sadness – Intense sadness is probably the most common symptom experienced by those who are grieving. You may experience feelings of despair, emptiness, loneliness and feel emotional instability.

Guilt – You may feel guilty over things you did or did not do, things you feel you should have said or not said, or feeling relieved when a person has died after a long and difficult illness.

Anger – Anger is not only felt if someone was at fault for your loss, it could be anger directed at God, the doctors, or even at the person who died because they left you. You may feel the need to blame someone for your loss.

Fear – A considerable loss can prompt feelings of fear and worry, you may feel insecure, helpless, or anxious. The loss of a loved one can activate fears of your own mortality or the fear of the responsibilities you now face by yourself.

Physical symptoms – Grief may be considered an emotional process but, it can lead to physical symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, weight loss, a lowered immunity, insomnia and aches and pains.