Loss is an unavoidable part of human experience, which has profound consequences from birth to death. Experiencing the loss of a loved one has the most powerful impact of all events in ordinary life.
Initial grief is often manifested as a state of shock, a feeling of numbness, or a sense of bewilderment. Expressions of suffering and distress often follow.
Patterns of mourning differ greatly, depending on personality style, cultural background, relationship to the deceased, whether the death was anticipated, and the age of the deceased.
Physical expressions of grief may include the following:
• Fatigue
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Sleep disturbances
• Difficulty concentrating
• Restlessness
• Tightness in chest
and throat
Preoccupations with thoughts of the deceased and withdrawal from the outside world can occur.
Bereavement therapy is helpful in reducing anguish and distress associated with losing a loved one. One is able to openly discuss feelings, fears, anxieties related to living without the deceased.
There are many phases of bereavement and the guidance of a trained professional prevents long and complicated grief as well as depression.
