Coping with Loss: What’s “Normal” when Processing Grief

What’s inside: Tips for coping with loss from grief professionals. Sponsored post.

One of the worst parts of life — that we all have to go through — is losing someone close to us. Sometimes we know it’s coming, other times it is a complete shock. However it is always devastating.

I’m partnering with Christensen & Hymas to share resources for coping with loss and processing grief in a healthy way. If you are going through a difficult time, know that you don’t have to do it alone. There are resources available to help — whether it is the company of a friend, or a trained professional.

Coping with Loss — What’s “Normal” when Processing Grief

Losing a loved one is a difficult reality that many of us have faced or will face eventually. To help people as they travel the journey of grief the attorneys at Christensen & Hymas have reached out to over 100 grief therapists to ask them their thoughts on how to cope with the loss of a loved one. The following post is a compilation of some of their responses.

Losing a loved one is a difficult part of life, and grief can be overwhelming. 8 tips from counseling professionals for coping with loss in a healthy way.

Know that it’s perfectly natural to mourn

“…Though grief can feel overwhelming at times, it is important to note that what one goes through is a normal process.  It is also a process that is unique to each individual.  How each person grieves is as individual as his/her fingerprint.  There is no set time for you to be ‘over it.’” -Lothair W. Pendleton, LCSW of Corner Canyon Counseling

“Remember that some memorial rituals may seem perfect while others may not speak to you at all. Some of us need connection as we process loss and others need quiet and privacy. Mostly it’s a mixture of both. Taking into account these different ways to grieve, it’s important to remember that we will have good days and bad. This is not dysfunction but rather the complexity of our grieving hearts trying to find meaning and sense out of painful loss.” -Lorii Hubbard of Lorii Hubbard Counseling

Losing a loved one is a difficult part of life, and grief can be overwhelming. 8 tips from counseling professionals for coping with loss in a healthy way.

Know that everyone experiences grief differently

“It might sound cliche, but it’s true–everyone grieves differently. There is no ‘right way’ to react to the loss of a loved one. Some people will seem unaffected, while others will appear devastated. For many people, the grieving process includes intense sadness or numbness, insomnia, loss of appetite, restlessness, anger, loss of sex drive, poor concentration, and feelings of guilt or regret associated with the deceased. This unpleasantness can last anywhere from hours to months.” -Dr. Stephen Thayer

“It will take time.  Grieving a loss doesn’t follow a timetable, although others might expect you to be over it in three months, in a year, in whatever time frame fits their idea. But you are the one going through it.  No one can dictate what your timeline should be. No one can tell you that it will take x amount of time. People can tell you what their time line was for their grief – that is perhaps the most helpful thing. For me, it took 4 1/2 years to finally feel like myself again. But everyone is different, and it might take longer for you, or shorter.” -Liz Hunter, MA, LMFTA of Liz Hunter Counseling

“The first most important thing to do is to understand that the unique and indescribable pain of grieving is a normal reaction to the loss of someone we love dearly.” -Cecilia H. Leggett of Foothills Counseling & Wellness

 

Know that it’s okay to seek professional assistance

“While there is no perfect way to heal, there are some signs that professional help is needed. A good gauge would be when prolonged grief is disrupting employment or school or if you find that you are isolating or having thoughts that are beginning to scare you or your friends and family. If this is the case, look for a therapist who can help you with grief. It is important to find a mental health professional that is a good fit for you. This may take a couple of tries but don’t give up.” -Lorii Hubbard of Lorii Hubbard Counseling

“…If intense grief lasts for years and/or it leads to unremitting depression, then you know something is wrong.  Psychologists call this ‘complicated grief’ and it is a sign that a person has not integrated the loss into their life.  These people need professional counseling to help them process their grief.” -Dr. Stephen Thayer, clinical psychologist

“Reach out, tell others what you need. Find a therapist. Find solace when and where you can. Know it will take time, be gentle on yourself, and allow yourself to grieve. I wish you peace if you grieve, as you grieve.” -Liz Hunter, MA, LMFTA of Liz Hunter Counseling

Read the full piece at: https://christensenhymas.com/dealing-with-loss-loved-one/

We can’t change the cards life deals us, but we can change the way we deal with them. And sometimes that is as simple as allowing ourselves the grace to experience our feelings. 

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