Grief and Loss

What Is Grief?

Grief is our natural response to any real or perceived loss.

It is how an individual feels when someone close to them passes away or experience any changes in life. Feeling numb, depressed, upset, angry, guilty, or terrified are some of the common signs of grief and loss. A person may suffer a dry mouth, insomnia, reduced appetite or feel nauseous while dealing with loss. All of these symptoms or feelings can last for days or months in which one can encounter various kinds of dreams and nightmares, depending upon one's mental state. Grieving is a very personal thing; the amount of time and ways one grieves varies from person to person. Signs and intensity of pain vary greatly depending upon the reasons for a person's grief like the relationship, the conditions of the loss, the person's personality, and our culture.

About Loss

There are many life changes that cause mental suffering. A vast majority of people associate grief with death, but ‘bereavement’ is the term linked with grief caused by death. Several reasons such as loss of a friendship, pet, family member or job, even rejection or divorce, can be the reason for agony in your life. Even positive moves or shifts in life can create a feeling of loss. For instance, getting a job promotion to another city may sound exciting, but leaving your home and comfort zone can disturb your daily routine. This in turn can cause stress, anxiety or depression implying that any loss, good or bad, can cause grief.

Further types of losses can include:

1. A new disease or disability
2. Loss of financial security
3. Buddies moving apart
4. Bodily or psychological changes due to age
5. Loss of lifestyle
6. Miscarriage or abortion
7. Sexual abuse or other trauma
8. School Graduation

What does grief mean

Grief is a process in which people go through complex feelings while trying to while trying to deal with a loss or healing after a loss. Some specialists view grief as a cycle or ordered stages. According to Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, there are five stages that explain the cycle of grief. These are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. A three-stage model which Dr. Roberta Temes shared included numbness or impact, recoil or depression, and recovery. However, many other experts define grief as a flowing process that cannot be put into steps.

Child and adolescent grief

Just like adults, children have their own way to grieve which can change quickly. For instance, they may express their sorrow by shedding tears or withdrawing, then suddenly would run out to play. Much relies upon the closeness of the lost bond or suddenness of change to which they are forced to adjust. Kids may appear to be fine when they are actually not. Dealing with loss can be difficult for kids, so it is essential to get the necessary support to help them cope.

The developing minds of teenagers do not always understand how to deal with strong emotions. They usually go beyond immediate relationships in search of comfort. They may share their emotions with teachers, coaches, and friends. As the coping skills of adolescents are less developed, they may resort to dangerous practices such as doing drugs or alcohol or neglecting safety rules. They can use the mediums of music, art, writing, and exercise to express their feelings. Comprehending loss, death, grief, and depression are skills which are essential to the healthy growth and development of all kids and adolescents.

Complicated grief

Many individuals have a tough time adjusting to their losses or coping with loss. Complicated grief makes it difficult for individuals to get back to their daily routine. People suffering from complicated grief need professional guidance to learn how to deal with losses. Their feelings and reactions of grief may linger for a long time. People with complicated grief may become ignorant of their loss and behave as if it never took place. While others may not be able to stop pondering about their losses which may turn into depression.

Resources

www.griefshare.org