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When we do not do "grief work" following
any significant loss, we are at risk for emotional, mental and social
problems. Grief can occur in response to any loss: loss of possessions,
loved ones, support, job, as well as loss of some aspect of your
self.
Every grief is different. Some of the factors that
influence how you experience grief include:
- the type of loss
- the age at which you experienced the loss
- the sudden or unexpected nature of the loss
- many accumulated losses, and
- how the loss impacts your overall lifestyle
(sicial, work, financial, etc.)
Though grief is unique, each person shares some
common experiences:
- Initially you may feel a sense of shock and
disbelief. "This can't be true."
- As the reality of the loss sinks in, you may
experience a range of mental, emotional and physical responses,
including:
- difficulty concentrating, being overwhelmed by
questions and doubts and unable to think of anything else.
- feelings of sorrow, frustration, anger,
guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, depression, and isolation.
- physical pain that can be real and intense,
like aching heart, knots in the stomach, lump in the throat, and
unusual aches, pains and tension in the muscles.
- difficulty eating or sleeping
- As you experience all the painful emotions and
work through your loss, you will gradually begin to go on with
your life. You will learn to live without the lost part of your
life. "Grief work" is necessary to help make you whole
again.
There is no predictable pattern to grief. You may
move back and forth within the grief experiences. These brief, usually
intermittent periods are a normal part of grief.
If you or someone you know appears
to be suffering from loss and grief, please call for help.
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