GRIEF & LOSS
Grief is universal and, at the same time, unique for each of us.
While all humans belong to a universal community of individuals who have experienced grief, no two losses are alike. Responses to a significant loss can be impacted by many factors. Some factors include the nature of the loss (whether sudden or predictable), the timing and circumstances of the loss, culture (which shapes how we make sense of the loss and cope), and available sources of support (such as loved ones and our community).
Different examples of losses include:
- A spouse who is experiencing the anticipated loss of a partner who has terminal cancer
- A classmate who experienced the loss of a friend due to a fatal car accident
- A parent who has lost a born or unborn child
- A teenager who experienced the loss of their childhood pet
- A husband who is experiencing the loss of a beloved partner through divorce
- A soon-to-be college graduate who faces the loss of their identity as a student
- A steel mill worker who has lost their work routine in the face of retirement
- A couple who experienced the loss of their dream to conceive a child naturally due to infertility issues
- A person who experienced sexual assault and their lost her sense of safety
- An older adult who has lost their ability to walk without stumbling
- A toddler who lost their most cherished toy
- A family that has lost financial security following the foreclosure of their home
Grief is a process of healing.
Some have used the metaphor of the ocean to describe their experience with healing after loss.
Waves of the ocean ebb and flow, and much like emotions of grief, the magnitude of the waves is unpredictable.
Sometimes the water is calm and contributes to a sense of acceptance and peace, and at other times large crashing waves contribute to feeling overwhelmed and in despair.
The waves of the ocean are endless in number and impossible to stop.
Through personal growth, navigating the waves is possible.
Counseling can help you develop ways to ride the waves.
Grief presents differently in individuals but there are some common emotional, physical, cognitive, behavioral, and spiritual reactions that many experience due to loss.
- Depression / sadness
- Loneliness
- Shock
- Anxiety / fear
- Irritability / anger / frustration
- Mood swings
- Guilt
- Relief / Calm
- Lack of motivation
- Numbness
- Muscle tension
- Fatigue / exhaustion
- Nausea
- Difficulty sleeping
- Change in appetite
- Crying / sobbing
- Tightness in chest
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Difficulty with memory
- Poor concentration
- Confusion
- Disbelief
- Obsessive thinking
- Dreaming
- Self-destructive behaviors (alcohol or drug use)
- Blaming others
- Avoidance of situations / people
- Lack of hygiene / self-care
- Change in activity level
- Questioning faith / belief
- Deepening of faith / belief
- Loss of meaning and purpose
- Asking “why” questions
Everyone grieves differently – there is no set path, or schedule, for healing.
Counseling and therapy at Wellness Grove…
Our in-person (outpatient) counseling services are offered in Canton OH (near Akron, North Canton, and Massillon). We also offer telemental health sessions to all Ohio residents.
Wellness Grove
