There isn’t pain quite like that of grief and loss. Losing a beloved friend, family member, pet, even a job, can be heart wrenching. In fact, such a loss can change life as we know it, as we shift our day to day activities, consider our priorities, and go on living.
“Grief never ends. But it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor lack of faith. It’s the price of love.” –Unknown
Fortunately, there is a dedicated mental health service for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one: grief counseling. Grief counseling can offer the guidance and support you might need during this most difficult time.
If you are in the Greensboro, NC area, consider scheduling a grief counseling appointment at Thriveworks Counseling in Greensboro, NC. We have grief counselors, therapists, and psychologists on staff who can help you. Just call our office to schedule an appointment.
What Is the Difference Between Grief, Bereavement, Mourning, and Loss?
You’ve probably heard the words “grief,” “bereavement,” “mourning,” and “loss” used when describing a death. It is easy to assume that they mean the same thing. But while they are often used interchangeably and can overlap, they are different and knowing the difference can help you understand the grieving process:
- Loss: Loss is the actual losing of someone or something. When someone refers to a loss, they are most often referring to the death of a loved one. “He recently suffered the loss of his mother.” “She recently lost her beloved dog.” Loss can also be attributed to the end or absence of things such as the end of a relationship or even a job. Whether the term “death” or “loss” is used often depends on the context and cultural influences.
- Bereavement: Bereavement is a term used to describe the objective situation a person faces following the death of a loved one. It is generally used to describe the period of being in grief and mourning following a death. “She has suffered two bereavements just this year.”
- Grief: Grief or grieving is the term used to describe the overall way we experience loss internally. The focus here is on the individual’s internal emotional processing of the loss. We experience loss emotionally, physically, cognitively, socially and spiritually. How we handle grief is unique to each person. The thoughts and feelings we experience can be quite intense and sometimes can impede functioning. Some people handle grief well. Others struggle with finding ways to accept and cope with the loss.
- Mourning: Mourning is the “how” of grief. It is the external or public expression of grief. The way we mourn is largely determined by the traditions and values of our culture, our family, our community, or our spiritual practices. For example, wearing black for a designated time in some cultures signifies a person in mourning. In other cultures, burning memorial candles or saying specific prayers for a designated time represents a time of mourning.
Grief and mourning go hand-in-hand. Because they are internal and external representations of the loss, they can influence each other and they can be difficult to separate. The important thing to know here is that the expression of grief, whether internal or external, can sometimes be intense, painful, and confusing. That’s where grief counseling comes in.
Grief counseling is designed to help people grieve their loss properly and provide them with support during this difficult time. If you’ve lost a beloved friend, family member, pet, or even a job, consider working with a grief counselor at Thriveworks Counseling in Greensboro, NC.
Schedule Grief Counseling at Thriveworks Counseling in Greensboro, NC
Losing a loved one is never easy and can be quite confusing. Understanding the things you are experiencing can help ease the pain and set you on the path to healing and peace.
Thriveworks has grief counselors in Greensboro who are here to help. The experienced and compassionate counselors at Thriveworks understand the dynamics of grieving and are able to help you begin the healing process. Take the first step—reach out for help. Call us to schedule your first grief counseling session, either in-person or online.
