|
|
|
|
|
 
The loss of a loved one through death, illness or divorce is one of life's most stressful events and can cause a major emotional disruption in life. When such a loss occurs you experience bereavement. At such time you may experience a wide range of emotions, even when the loss is expected. There is usually an initial stage of numbness, especially after learning of a death. There is no real order to the grieving process and some of the emotions that may be experienced include denial, disbelief, confusion, shock, sadness, yearning, anger, humiliation, despair and guilt. These feelings are normal and common reactions to loss. Sometimes the stability of your emotional well-being seems to be long lasting. Mourning is a necessary and natural process to begin to accept a major loss. Grieving is the outward expression of your loss. Grief can be expressed physically, emotionally and psychologically. Physical symptoms can include stomach pain, loss of appetite, intestinal upsets, sleep disturbances, and loss of energy. Emotional reactions include chronic fatigue, anxiety and depression, obsessive thoughts about the loss of a loved one, and in extreme, thoughts of suicide. The loss may necessitate practical changes that begin to feel overwhelming. Social adjustments, parenting alone, adjusting to a single life and maybe even returning to work may be decisions confronting you. It can be particularly difficult for small children to understand a loss or death. Often children are confused about the changes around them, and their sense of security or survival may feel threatening. Because they have limited understanding and an inability to express feelings of pain, young children may revert to earlier behaviors, such as bed wetting, or ask questions that seem insensitive. Also elderly people are especially vulnerable when losing a spouse because it brings severe feelings of loneliness and lack of support. The death ends a lifetime of shared experiences. A loss due to suicide can be one of the most difficult losses to bear. Many times survivors are left with a burden of guilt, shame and anger. Sometimes the survivors feel responsible for the death and feel they should have been able to prevent it. Coping with loss is vital to mental health. Allow yourself to grieve by seeking out caring people, expressing your feelings, taking care of your health, being patient that the pain will lessen and gradually leave some cherished moments of your loved one. It is important to realize that not all reactions to loss are immediate. Sometimes the feelings of anxiety and depression may not seem clearly connected to a particular loss and may appear months afterwards. This is called Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Bloomingdale Psychological Services has counselors and therapists available for individual therapy and group counseling to discuss immediate and lasting issues and problems. For more information call 610-688-2737. Related Support GroupsRelated Workshops
|
|
141 West Wayne Ave Wayne, PA 19087 |