Coping with Loss: Bereavement and Grief
Margaret
“We worked hard all our lives, saved for retirement, and couldn’t wait for Bob to finally retire. Forty years of sacrifice, and we finally got to plan that trip to Europe we always dreamed of. Then I saw Bob laying on the bathroom floor, unconscious. I still can’t believe the words the doctor said to me in the ER… “We did everything we could, but we couldn’t bring Bob back.”
The grief is raw, overwhelming, and painful. Filling your day with tasks doesn’t stop the aching in your heart. Eventually, the feelings need to be resolved, or they will cause physical or emotional illness.
Brandon
“It should have been me! I’ve lived my life… he was just a boy. This isn’t fair! I’m not supposed to outlive my son.”
The death of a child arouses such a sense of injustice. Grief for the lost potential, unfulfilled dreams, and senseless suffering must be worked through to put your life back together.
Rachael
“She was functioning just fine. I don’t understand… she went in for hip pain, and then we were learning she had Stage IV cancer with metastasis throughout her body. I wasn’t prepared for her to go to hospice and die one week later. She was my best friend. I can’t concentrate at work.”
Profound emotional reactions may occur. These reactions include anxiety attacks, chronic fatigue, depression and thoughts of suicide. Stress and a lack of concentration can make it difficult to function at work.
It’s time to seek help
I have 20 years of experience walking people through grief and loss. Through a process of cognitive behavioral techniques combined with relaxation and visualization, we will dive into the world of loss. We just need to find the characteristics and strengths that will move you through this season. Together, we’ll set new goals and create activities that will lead to growth and acceptance of a new identity.