Briefly about Grief…….

August 4th, 2010 by ILONA OZOLINA MBACP

Do you know what grief is? Did you ever experienced grief? Can you describe your present feelings? Usually, when we talk about grief, we think that it relates only to bereavement process but it is not.

What is grief?
Grief is a reaction or response to the loss. There are physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioural and social reactions which have been identified as a normal grief.
In addition, Grief is frustrated and stressed feelings towards the person who is suffering, terminally ill or dying.

Look at your feelings and analyse your grief before it will move to complicated state!

You are able to understand grief if you can acknowledge it, accept reality then learn to let go your feelings and move on. However, it is not easy process but you are strong, you can manage it. Think positive and trust to yourself! These are two simple techniques what will help you to move towards salvation over grieving process.

According on the theoretical background of grief, there are three ways of grief.

Visible grief, for example: bereavement, divorce, separation, job loss, pet loss, money loss, friendship loss, love loss, identity loss, etc..
Obscured grief, for example: childlessness, disability, developmental loss such as changing home, schools, jobs, careeretc
Invisible grief, for example: losses in childhood, loss of cultural identity, poverty.etc.....
What are the symptoms of grief?
They could be many but usually depends on each individuals personality and a way of coping.
Physical symptoms: loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, loss of energy, somatic complains such as headaches, breathlessnessetc, increase in illnessetc
Emotional symptoms: anxiety, guilt, anger, depression, sense of lonelinessetc
Cognitive symptoms: preoccupation with thoughts about particular loss, hopelessness, concentration difficulties, communication difficultiesetc
Behavioral symptoms: tiredness, crying, agitation, increased alcohol (medication, food, sweets etc) consumptionetc
Social symptoms: withdrawal from public/social activities, changes in relationships/friendshipsetc.
Positive emotions are giving relief and diversion from the distress of dealing with ongoing stressful situations.

Think positive and analyse your feelings! Can you describe what you learned from your grieving process?

We all are going through grief and bereavement in our life time. The truth about us is in us. Only you know how to help yourself. You are able to encourage yourself and release your strengths and power to help in dealing with grief.

(Reference: Worden, J. William)