Coping with Grief

Most think of grief in association with a loved one who has passed. But we can also experience grief when we lose a job, when diagnosed with a life-changing illness, when our children leave home, when we lose a close relationship through divorce or separation, or when we lose a beloved pet. Grief can manifest emotionally as shock, sadness, guilt, anger, or fear and it can physically manifest as fatigue, nausea, weight loss, or insomnia.

Should you seek professional help dealing with your grief? Perhaps. If grieving has negatively impacted your day-to-day living manifesting as depression, withdrawal, or alcohol/drug abuse, finding a support group or therapist is warranted. These professionals can assist you in sorting through difficult emotions and reactions.

In all grieving situations, take care of yourself; there is no right or wrong way to grieve and there is no timetable for grieving.