Grief

What is grief?

Grief is a response to a significant loss. It is a natural process of processing the loss and adjusting to the new circumstances in our lives. The loss can involve the death of a loved one, the loss of a pet, the end of a meaningful relationship, the loss of a home or a job, among others. Grief is often accompanied by intense pain, which can manifest both emotionally and physically and can significantly affect our daily functioning.

 

Reactions to grief

Although everyone may experience loss and go through the grieving process, everyone grieves and responds to loss in their way. When grieving, people may exhibit various psychological and physical reactions. Some of the responses to grief may include:

• Shock and numbness (difficulty experiencing and expressing emotions, a sense of disorientation)
• Intense pain
• Guilt
• Anger
• Persistent and intense thoughts about the loved one
• A sense that life no longer has meaning
• Intense anxiety
• Changes in appetite (increased or decreased appetite)
• Sleep disturbances, nightmares
• Physical pain (e.g., stomach pain, headaches)
• Relief/Calmness

 

How long will grief last?

Grief is a process that essentially allows us the space and time to process the loss. Each person’s needs influence the duration of this process, and there is no specific time frame in which grief “should” end.

Several factors can influence the grieving process, such as the individual’s life experiences leading up to the loss, the relationship they had with the lost loved one, the way the loved one passed away, and the circumstances that follow the loss (e.g., the presence of a supportive network).

When one loses a loved one, it is natural to experience a wide range of intense and painful emotions. While we cannot eliminate these feelings, there are ways to help manage them and “soften” the pain.

 

What is complicated grief?

The intensity and/or frequency of grief symptoms usually decrease over time. However, in some cases, grief may take on a more persistent and complex form and be characterized by symptoms that endure. Some of these symptoms may include:

• Preoccupation with the loved one and their death
• Difficulty accepting the loss
• Self-blame thoughts
• A sense of numbness
• Anger
• Avoidance of stimuli that remind the person of the loss
• Social withdrawal
• A feeling that one cannot trust others
• A belief that life cannot continue without the loved one
• Thoughts about the person’s role in life after the loss

 

Psychotherapy for grief

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are effective therapeutic approaches for individuals who are going through the grieving process.

In therapy, we will explore the experience of loss and its impact on your daily life. We will also discuss the grief process and focus on how you are personally experiencing it. Finally, we will create a therapeutic plan to help you manage your loss. For more information about my therapeutic approach, refer to the corresponding section.