Are you feeling overwhelmed by your feelings or stuck after experiencing a loss?
Grief is a reaction to any form of loss, and grieving is the process that one goes through after the loss. Bereavement refers to the process of recovering from the death of a loved one. Both grief and bereavement encompass a wide range of emotions such as fear, anger, and deep, deep sadness. Losses that trigger grief can include the loss of a pet, marriage, job, your health (that is, the onset of an illness), financial stability, your identity, or a friendship or relationship, among other things. Because of the ongoing destruction of our environment, we can also experience grief for the loss of nature, wildlife or the planet.
The process of adapting to a loss can dramatically change from person to person, depending on his or her background, beliefs, relationship to the person who’s passed or thing that is lost, and other factors.
Common symptoms of grief can be physical, emotional or social.
A few common symptoms in these categories are:
Physical
- Crying and sighing
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Weakness
- Fatigue
Emotional
- Feelings of sadness and yearning
- Anger or frustration
- Feelings of guilt or shame
- Worry or fear
Social
- Feeling detached from others
- Self-isolation from social contact
- Behaving in ways that are not normal for you
Every grieving experience is different. A person may be able to continue their day-to-day routine after one loss, yet not be able to get out of bed after another loss. Whatever your personal symptoms are, grief, loss and bereavement counseling have been proven to help. Using Mother Earth as a partner in the healing work we do together enhances the power of the work. Earth-based healing ceremonies or a wilderness rite of passage can be extremely helpful in moving through grief.
If you are experiencing grief-related thoughts, behaviors, or feelings that are distressing, please contact me today for a free consultation.
