Grief. It’s Complicated – The Personal Side
“I thought I could describe a state; make a map of sorrow. Sorrow, however, turns out to be not a state but a process,” C.S. Lewis. Grief is a process and a delicate one at that. Every person grieves differently. And I tell my clients there is no “right way” to grieve. You just have to go through it.
The important thing is to experience your grief and have supports in place while you do so. If you have some positive coping skills on board to start, even better. An experienced counselor can help you navigate the different stages and emotions involved in grief. And, they can help you explore if and how you want to memorialize your loved one.
If you have lost a baby your grief may be much different than if you lost a parent. Death by suicide sometimes seems the hardest for those left behind. And tragic deaths or crises (like natural disasters) may take more time to process. A warm, empathetic and skilled therapist can help you walk out the process of grief as you learn to live life without that person there. Along with therapy, there are other ways to find support during grief seasons.
Support groups—like www.newhopeforkids.org, www.griefshare.org, www.kindermourn.org can be helpful for those experiencing the death of a child. Books such as Why People Die by Suicide (by Thomas Joiner) and Finding Meaning (by David Kessler) can be especially helpful when someone dies suddenly. And of-course surrounding yourself with positive people and healthy experiences (exercising/stretching, eating well, journaling, etc.) will help you on your healing path.
If you are experiencing grief, it would be our honor to walk alongside you. Our knowledgeable team of licensed mental health counselors can provide the support and space you need to mourn and heal. Please don’t wait. Contact Life Enhancement Counseling Services today at 407-443-8862 to schedule an appointment.