Grief is the emotional response to all kinds of loss. Feelings of grief are associated with death, and may also commonly surface after many losses – of a loved one, a severed relationship or friendship, a pregnancy, a pet, divorce, or a job. This experience may be overwhelming, and it may be hard to know how to manage and overcome these emotions. It is important to have patience with yourself during this process as it is a healthy part of healing. If you are having trouble coping on your own, or know of someone who could use extra support, therapy may help.
There is no orderly process or absolute time frame for passing through stages of anger, denial, bargaining, sadness, and acceptance. Everyone experiences loss differently based on their personality, culture, and beliefs, among many other factors.
Common symptoms of grief include:- Shock and disbelief: feeling numb about the event, having trouble believing it happened, denying it, or expecting to suddenly see the person you lost
- Sadness: crying, or having feelings of emptiness, despair, yearning, or loneliness
- Guilt: regret over things unsaid or undone, feeling responsible for the death or the event, or shame from feeling relieved by a person’s passing
- Anger: blaming someone for injustice
- Fear: feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and insecurity, or having panic attacks
- Physical symptoms: fatigue, nausea, weight loss or gain, aches and pains, and insomnia
Coping with Grief and Loss
An important part of healing is knowing that you are not alone. Process your experience with the help from a therapist in a safe environment, seek support from your friends, family, or faith, or join a bereavement support group. Sharing your loss and memories of the deceased can make the grieving process easier. If you have experienced trauma related to your loss, you may also wish to engage in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR).