Grief is a normal response to loss, but there is nothing about grief that feels normal. John understands. His brother died about a year ago. John and his brother were inseparable and always had been. In some ways, John’s life has not changed. He still has the same job, lives in the same house, and hangs out with the same friends, but in other ways, nothing is the same. His brother is not there. John is always aware of this new reality.
One of life’s most painful experiences might be when a loved one passes away. A loved one’s death can trigger grief, but people also experience grief after other kinds of losses—moving, divorce, death of a pet, job change, to name a few.
Everybody, unfortunately, will experience grief at some point in life because loss is common, and many people have found the help they need to cope with grief from a licensed therapist. Thriveworks Asheville, NC grief counselors have supported and empowered many clients in working through a significant loss. Grief therapy is not a quick-fix, but many people are glad they took the time and effort to process their grief with the help of a professional’s care and expertise.
The Experience of Grief and Loss
Loss often surprises people. It can be sudden and unexpected. One moment, life is normal. The next moment, it is not. A diagnosis, a natural disaster, or an accident are a few examples where life can change without any prior notifications. However, people can also plan for some losses. When people move, make a career change, or become empty-nesters, they have often prepared for months or even years. Yet, people often also feel loss during these anticipated changes.
A loss of any kind can trigger grief, and people usually think of grief as a singular emotion: deep sadness. But experientially, grief is often a combination of many different feelings. Anyone who is grieving may be feeling one or more of these emotions:
- Anger
- Helplessness
- Loneliness
- Guilt
- Sorrow
- Relief
- Confusion
- Impatience
- Restlessness
- Numbness
- Regret
- Fatigue
- Shock
- Apathy
- Yearning
It’s important for people who are grieving to pay attention to what they are feeling. If you have recently experienced a loss, have you also felt one or more of the emotions on this list? Know that all emotions are valid and important. As people allow themselves to feel any emotion that may arise, grief can become exhilarating one moment and exhausting the next. Often, people refer to this experience as the grief cycle because grief can feel like a journey.
Grief counselors are experience guides through the various challenges people face as they mourn. For many people, reaching out for help is an important part of their healing.
When Is It Time to Ask for Help?
Grief often brings mental health problems with it. Unaddressed, these mental health challenges can remain in people’s lives, adding difficulty to difficulty. Consider asking for help to cope with a loss if you are also experiencing…
- Obsessive fixation upon the circumstances of a death.
- The onset or relapse of an addiction.
- Apathy that makes participating in daily life feel impossible.
- Avoiding anything that may be a reminder of the loss.
- Panic attacks or acute anxiety.
- Overwhelming anger or resentment.
- Out of control emotions.
- Depression.
Why Pursue Grief Therapy?
Grief therapy is tailored to each client’s needs because everybody experiences grief in a unique way. Generally speaking, grief therapy has two objectives.
1) Coping with the loss
Dealing with the loss often means learning how to cope with the emotions or mental health challenges that arise during grief. A grief counselor can help the bereaved address the root causes of the grief as well as develop healthy coping strategies for managing the emotions.
2) Living in a new reality
Healing often involves accepting the finality of loss. Death cannot be undone. Relationships cannot always be repaired. Things that are lost cannot always be replaced. Accepting this reality is one of grief’s most painful challenges. However, coming to a place of acceptance means that people can then allow good things to enter their lives again and build toward a renewed sense of happiness.
Grief therapy requires determination and dedication, but it is worth the effort. Many people are ready for a happier tomorrow, and welcome a counselor’s support and guidance.
Counseling Appointments for Grief and Loss
Has grief disrupted your normal life? Is daily life challenging because you are dealing with a loss? Thriveworks Asheville grief counseling is ready to provide support during your grief journey.
Many people think long and hard before making that first call to schedule an appointment for grief therapy. We understand, so we have made the process as easy as we could. If you call Thriveworks Asheville, NC you will reach a scheduling specialists—a real person who can assist you and schedule your first appointment. Often times, we can see first time clients within 24 hours of their call. We also work with most insurance providers.
Are you ready to process the loss and find healing? If you are ready, we are too. Call Thriveworks Asheville, NC.
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