Corporate Family Counseling Fort Bend TX

What Is Grief?

Grief is our natural response to any real or perceived loss.

It is how an individual feels when someone close to them passes away or they experience any changes in life. Feeling numb, depressed, upset, angry, guilty, or terrified are some of the common signs of grief and loss. A person may suffer from dry mouth, insomnia, reduced appetite, or feel nauseous while dealing with loss. All of these symptoms or feelings can last for days or months, during which one can encounter various kinds of dreams and nightmares, depending upon one’s mental state. Grieving is a very personal experience; the amount of time and the ways one grieves varies from person to person. Signs and intensity of pain vary greatly depending upon the reasons for a person’s grief, such as the relationship, the conditions of the loss, the person’s personality, and their culture.

About Loss

There are many life changes that cause mental suffering. A vast majority of people associate grief with death, but ‘bereavement’ is the term linked with grief caused by death. Several reasons such as the loss of a friendship, pet, family member, or job, even rejection or divorce, can be the reason for agony in your life. Even positive moves or shifts in life can create a feeling of loss. For instance, getting a job promotion to another city may sound exciting, but leaving your home and comfort zone can disturb your daily routine. This in turn can cause stress, anxiety, or depression, implying that any loss, good or bad, can cause grief.

Further Types of Losses

A new disease or disability

Loss of financial security

Buddies moving apart

Bodily or psychological changes due to age

Loss of lifestyle

Miscarriage or abortion

Sexual abuse or other trauma

School graduation

What Does Grief Mean?

Grief is a process in which people go through complex feelings while trying to deal with a loss or heal after a loss. Some specialists view grief as a cycle or ordered stages. According to Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, there are five stages that explain the cycle of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Dr. Roberta Temes shared a three-stage model that includes numbness or impact, recoil or depression, and recovery. However, many other experts define grief as a flowing process that cannot be put into steps.

Child and Adolescent Grief

Just like adults, children have their own way to grieve, which can change quickly. For instance, they may express their sorrow by shedding tears or withdrawing, then suddenly run out to play. Much relies upon the closeness of the lost bond or suddenness of the change to which they are forced to adjust. Kids may appear to be fine when they are actually not. Dealing with loss can be difficult for kids, so it is essential to get the necessary support to help them cope.

The developing minds of teenagers do not always understand how to deal with strong emotions. They usually go beyond immediate relationships in search of comfort. They may share their emotions with teachers, coaches, and friends. As the coping skills of adolescents are less developed, they may resort to dangerous practices such as doing drugs or alcohol or neglecting safety rules. They can use mediums like music, art, writing, and exercise to express their feelings. Comprehending loss, death, grief, and depression are skills essential to the healthy growth and development of all kids and adolescents.

Complicated Grief

Many individuals have a tough time adjusting to their losses or coping with loss. Complicated grief makes it difficult for individuals to get back to their daily routine. People suffering from complicated grief need professional guidance to learn how to deal with losses. Their feelings and reactions of grief may linger for a long time. People with complicated grief may become ignorant of their loss and behave as if it never took place, while others may not be able to stop pondering about their losses, which may turn into depression.

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Grief and Loss

Grief is a complex process that varies for individuals. Children grieve unpredictably, and complicated grief may require professional support to help manage lingering emotions and restore balance.