Grief is a true and normal emotional response to any loss, be it property, divorce, sickness, pets, or particularly the death of a loved one. When someone is grieving, they go through a mixed and complicated emotional state that involves so many feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. At Connect Integrated Health Services, we know that people grieve differently, and we provide individualized empathy and compassionate care for our grieving patients.

Symptoms of grief:

The symptoms of grief can be categorized into two types: Physical and Emotional Symptoms:

Emotional responses may include

  • Anger, agitation. Violent or irritability
  • Sadness,
  • Guilt or regret
  • Isolation

Physical symptoms may include:

  • Fatigue,
  • Insomnia,
  • Changes in appetite ( increase or decrease appetite)
  • Somatic discomfort.
  • Difficulty concentration
  • Suicidal ideation.
  • Adaptation to other negative behaviors like alcohol drinking.

Stages of Grief:

  • Denial,
  • Anger,
  • Bargaining,
  • Depression,
  • and Acceptance.

The stages of grieving can come in any form and revisiting stages multiple times can occur.

The Length of Grieving:

There is no specific timeline for completing the grieving process. Some individuals may start to get relief within months, while others may take longer. It is important to let people grieve at their own pace even when under the care of a professional.

Types of Grief:

There are different categories of grief, including

  • Anticipatory grief (grieving before a loss): In this grieving, the individual starts grieving before the actual loss happens.
  • Complicated grief (prolonged and intense grief): this grieving takes an extremely long time.
  • Disenfranchised grief (grief that lacks social acknowledgment), such as losing a pet).

How to Coping when Grieving:

One of the ways to deal with grief is through support groups and therapy:

  • Discuss feelings with others,
  • Seeking support from friends and family members: This can provide essential comfort,

companionship, and understanding during such a challenging time

  • Join support groups: A supportive network can substantially facilitate grieving.
  • Engaging in exercise can provide endorphins which can help with sleep
  • Journal writing and utilizing other creative outlets.
  • Honoring the Dead based on some culture, many individuals find solace and closure in creating memorials, conducting ceremonies, or establishing traditions that honor the memory of the deceased. Such actions can help sustain the memory of the loved one and foster a sense of ongoing connection.

At Connect Integrated Health Services, our goal is to help the grieving individual adapt to the loss and try to adjust to a new life without the loved one.

Medication

Medications can be used to improve symptoms of an underlying condition like insomnia, anxiety, or depression, but seeking professional counseling or therapy can be helpful.

Type of Psychotherapy that can be used

  • Connective Behavior Therapy (CBT). This type of therapy focuses on changes in negative thoughts or behaviors associated with grief.
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): This therapy focuses on helping the individual to accept their loss and grief and commit to living a meaningful life despite their loss.
  • Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT): This type of therapy focuses on those who have prolonged and intense grief that has taken control of their lives.

Other ways to manage and improve life while grieving:

Self-Care:

It is important to prioritize self-care regarding physical, emotional, and mental health during grieving. This may include maintaining a nutritious healthy diet, Regular exercise, ensuring adequate rest, and allowing for moments of joy amid sorrow.

Grief is a personal journey with no universal handbook or correct roadmap. At CIHS, we are here to support you during this difficult, challenging time.

In Case of Emergency

  • For suicidal ideation or any danger to self or others, call 911

OR

  • go to the nearest hospital to learn how to seek help.

Resources:

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Call NAMI Helpline at 1800 950 NAMI (6264) In Crisis 988 (24/7)

or info@nami.org

  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

  • The Compassionate Friends: 1-877-969-0010 (support for bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents)
  • Grief Recovery Helpline: 1-800-445-4808