Q What if I don't realize I am grieving?
A This is a very common occurrence. Many individuals are grieving
and depressed yet not aware.
Below are examples that may result in grief.
- Health issues - injury, short-term illness, long-term illness, chronic illness
- Relationship changes - divorce, war, trauma, miscarriage, empty nest, loss of pet
- Job/School changes - new job/new school, unemployment, demotion, retirement
- Death of a loved one - accident, long-term illness, suicide, homicide
A An individual session will be 50 minutes long in a comfortable, safe environment where you can share your confidential story.
Q How can I understand the grief process?
A Grieving is a normal reaction of trying to make sense and cope with the loss of something or someone in our lives.
Stages of Grief (Kubler-Ross' work):
- Denial and Isolation - Denial is a natural and protective response.
- It helps us grasp what is really happening when reality is too painful.
- Isolation is when we feel all alone and as if no one else understands what we are going through.
- Anger - "Why me?" "Why couldn't someone stop this from happening?"
- Anger is a normal part of grieving.
- You may be angry at your loved one for leaving you and not being physically here.
- You may be angry at the doctor. You may be angry at God.
- Bargaining - "I'll do whatever if I can be cured."
- "I'll do whatever if you bring my loved one back."
- Most bargains are made with God for more time to live.
- Depression - A person with a terminal illness may feel great loss as he/she begins to get weaker physically.
- A person may look back upon his/her life and may have regrets.
- After a loved one dies, you may feel depressed and hopeless.
- Acceptance - Accepting one's upcoming death
- Adjusting to the reality of death
- Adjusting to life without your loved one
- Being able to envision a future without your loved one and not feeling ovewhelmed by that reality
- Resurgence of Hope
Q Will I ever feel happy again?
A Yes, I believe you can go on your grief journey and you will find hope and happiness again.