Grief and Loss

When we suffer the loss of someone, whether it is death, a break up, or fracture in a relationship, there are stages that we need to go through in order to effectively process that loss. Grief takes on many different formats; it can be tears, anger, or denial, before the acceptance and hope begin to emerge. You may experience these stages more than once before you are able to move on.

Grief and Loss

  • Denial– this is not happening, you may feel shocked, like this is not real.
  • Anger– pain will accompany the realization that this did in fact happen.
  • Bargaining– you may have thoughts of “if only”… In this stage you wonder what you could have done.
  • Depression– you may have episodes of crying, loss of sleep, a decrease in appetite.  This happens once you begin understanding the impact the loss has for you.
  • Acceptance– this is the last stage in the grieving process. This is when you begin to understand your new reality without the person you lost. This allows you to move forward in life, even though you may still feel sadness.

There is no time frame for the grieving process; your experience is normal for you. Going through a loss is hard and many people around you may not understand. They may think that you need to “get over it and move on”.  You will not be able to move on until you are ready. Therapy is a safe, effective way to grieve your loss; somewhere you can share your thoughts and feelings. Talking about your loss is important and aids in working through the stages of grief.

You may be unable to process your grief for a while, especially if you are in a situation in which you are not able to discuss the loss. For some, loss happens in childhood but is not processed until adulthood. You may not realize the effects of suppressing this until something triggers memories and it all comes flooding back. Until you are able to process your thoughts and feelings regarding the loss, it will continue to impede on your relationships, and hinder your daily functioning.

Whether the loss is related to death, divorce, family issues, or career; I can help guide you through the stages in the grieving process. Together we can utilize talk therapy to help you with coping skills and start your journey to a healthier mental state. You have permission to be happy in spite of your loss. – Christy Findlay

Similar Posts

Counseling for PTSD: Breaking the Chains of Trauma

When trauma occurs, it can feel as though time stands still. Its impact can create emotional ripples that persist long after the event, sometimes manifesting as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). At Stonebriar Counseling Associates, we are committed to helping individuals break the chains of trauma through effective PTSD counseling. Understanding PTSD PTSD is a mental…

Navigating Life’s Currents: How Family Counseling Can Help You Weather the Storms

Life is a continual journey punctuated by transitions – big and small. While some changes are exciting, like graduations or new jobs, others can be stressful, like moving, illness, or divorce. These transitions can throw even the most stable families off balance, straining communication and creating conflict. This is where family counseling at Stonebriar Counseling…

Getting Help to Manage Your Depression

The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) describes depression as a set of persistent behaviors and feelings (symptoms) that negatively impact an individual’s daily life. Some flags of depression include  loss of appetite, decreased energy/increased sleep patterns, and having less interest in one’s life. Feelings of worthlessness sometimes lead to self-imposed isolation. For people experiencing depression, seeking professional…