Grief & Loss Therapy

Grief can be described as a distinct or overwhelming sadness. Therefore, typically these feelings stem from a significant loss such as the death of a loved one (bereavement). Similarly, it can also be felt connected to the diagnosis/prognosis of a major ailment or injury, the loss of a job or the ending of an important personal relationship.

However, although it may last for months or even years, grief is considered a temporary condition. You’ve likely heard there are several identifiable stages that usually occur as part of grieving: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Each phase is important in the healing process and the ability for the individual to move forward.

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Grief vs Depression

Grief and depression share many symptoms; and an extended period of grieving can certainly develop into a depressive state. Similarly, both conditions are marked by acute sadness, often irritability, anger, and an inability to move past the initial trauma/event. Therefore, each can lead to symptoms such as insomnia, weight loss, and possibly thoughts of self-harm. However, there are several ways grief is different.

Grief typically manifests from a specific life event.
Grief usually gets better with time.
Grief focuses on external causes.

Everyone grieves in their own way and in their own time. For instance, some people recover from grief and resume normal activities within six months, though they continue to feel moments of sadness. However, others may feel better after about a year. One of the hardest challenges is adjusting to the new reality which may require a person to develop a new daily routine or to rethink their plans for the future. After that, time is often the best course to reduce intensity. Complicated grief is the term for bereavement lasting for one year or more when symptoms persist without improvement. For instance, complicated grief often dominates a person’s life, interfering with their daily functioning.

Grief & Loss Therapy can help with many types of losses, whether society validates the grief or not. Above all, therapy is an opportunity to explore your feelings and memories without judgment. However, no loss is too big or too small to warrant support. You do not have to endure your grief & loss alone. Click here to learn more about grieving resources.

THERAPISTS & COUNSELORS

All clinicians at Mindly are fully licensed to practice counseling & psychotherapy in the state of North Carolina.

Grief & Loss Therapy