GRIEF

Grief is a wild thing, often an uninvited guest. Grief shows up unannounced, and usually during inconvenient times. Grief can be long, painful, and confusing. It can even at times be joyful. Grief is complicated. It can bring forth various wide-ranging symptoms and emotions.

So, what is grief? Grief is the emotional response to loss. Loss can be felt over many things, ranging from the loss of a way of life when someone moves to a new city or the raw loss we feel when a beloved friend dies. Loss is intricately connected to change, and as humans we know change is a constant. Loss is therefore a reality of life, but often a painful and burdensome reality. 

Many feel alone in their intense grief and do well to rely on others for support, even when it feels like the last thing you want to do. We now know that grief is not limited to the confines of five stages, and the way one grieves is unique to that individual. Cultural, religious, age and values are some of the factors that shape a grieving experience. Grieving a death can include further complicating factors, such as whether that person passed on as a result of suicide, homicide, or substance use. 

Symptoms of grief are present across the entire lived experience, encompassing our bodies, minds, and emotions. Some common symptoms include shock, sadness, guilt, shame, fear, anxiety, and physical symptoms, such as nausea and fatigue. Facing our grief in a patient and kind way is the best way to move through grief, and it can be quite helpful to have another beside you on this rugged journey. 

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No matter if your grieving is over a recently deceased pet, family member, or new life change such as becoming an empty-nester, our counselors are trained to compassionately sit with you in your grief. We also provide coping strategies that can make the journey lighter, or at least more tolerable. Our empathic counselors are honored to be part of your healing.