Grief and Loss
Grief is a natural response to the loss of someone or something very important to you. The loss may cause sadness and may cause you to think of very little else besides the loss.
Grieving is the process we go through in adjusting to our emotional “rollercoaster” and to the “new” life we now experience through this loss.
Most importantly, everyone grieves differently – no one grieves the same and there is no normal or expected period of time for grieving! Much of a person’s grieving will depend on: who they are, the nature of their loss, and their beliefs.
Kinds of Grief and Loss
Normal Grief – is a natural response to loss, whether it is someone or something that is important to you. Grief can be so very emotional with many feelings occurring over time (sadness, relief, loneliness, numbness, acceptance) and can be experienced for a number of different reasons. Loss of a loved one through a death or through a relationship ending, job loss, moving, chronic illness, pet loss can cause grief.
Anticipatory Grief – an expected loss – such as in illness or age.
Sudden Grief – an unexpected loss – such as in an accident, suicide, or a disaster (eg. flooding, fire)
Delayed Grief – grief that occurs later after the loss, sometimes years later and possibly can be more intense than the initial grief.
Disenfranchised Grief – an experience of loss, that others don’t acknowledge the importance of the loss in a person’s life – such as a pet or ex-spouse.
Complicated Grief – grief that doesn’t progress as expected and the grief is so prolonged that this grief can dramatically interfere with a person’s ability to function. In the last few years a condition known as Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder (PCBD), is a recognized disability. A diagnosis of PCBD must be determined by a doctor and if you feel that you are suffering from PCBD please contact your doctor, as soon as possible.
Chronic Grief – grief that can lead to clinical depression, suicidal or self-harming thoughts.
If you are experiencing Chronic Grief – please contact your doctor or hospital – Face-2-Face counselling is a better option.