Therapy for Grief and Loss

Grief and Loss

We all face grief and loss at some point in our lives, and we all have different ways of dealing with them.

Grief is a natural and human response to losing something or someone that matters to us. It is important to allow ourselves to feel the pain and sadness without trying to avoid or suppress it. This can help us heal and move forward. Sometimes, we may experience grief not only for the recent losses, such as the death or illness of a loved one, but also for the past losses that we never fully processed, such as having parents who were unable to meet our needs.

One thing to remember about grief is that it is cumulative. This means that when we lose something or someone, we also feel the impact of all the previous losses that we have experienced in our lives. It is like having a bucket that fills up with grief over time, and when it overflows, we feel all the emotions at once. The good news is that this also gives us a chance to heal more deeply and release some of the old pain that has been stored in us.

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What’s the difference between grief and depression? 

Grief and depression are both common emotional reactions to loss, but they are not the same.

Grief is a natural and healthy process that helps us cope with the pain of losing someone or something we love. Depression is a mental health condition that affects our mood, thoughts, and behavior in a negative way. While grief and depression can share some symptoms, such as sadness, crying, and insomnia, there are also some key differences that can help us distinguish them.

One difference is that grief typically comes in waves that lessen in intensity and frequency over time, while a depressed mood is more persistent. People who are grieving are likely to retain feelings of self-worth and self-esteem and may still experience positive feelings, including humor, while such emotions are generally not seen in depression. Another difference is that grief is usually triggered by a specific loss, such as the death of a loved one, while depression may have no identifiable cause or may be related to multiple stressors. Grief is also more likely to involve feelings of longing and attachment to the lost person or thing, while depression may involve feelings of guilt, hopelessness, and worthlessness.

Grief and depression can sometimes co-occur or overlap, making it difficult to tell them apart. For example, some people may experience prolonged or complicated grief, which is a form of grief that lasts longer than six months and interferes with daily functioning. This type of grief may resemble depression and may require professional help. Similarly, some people may develop depression after a loss, especially if they have a history of depression or other risk factors. This can make the grieving process harder and longer. In these cases, it is important to seek support from a mental health professional who can assess the situation and provide appropriate treatment.

Grief and depression are both normal human responses to loss, but they are not the same. By recognizing the differences and similarities between them, we can better understand our own emotions and cope with them in healthy ways.

Support and Space to Grieve

We need other people to help us calm and balance our nervous systems. When we are overwhelmed by life, we may put off grieving for later, but this can make us feel numb or hollow inside. When you have someone who is attentive to you, your nervous system can rely on that and feel more safe and supported. This can allow you to express and heal the emotions that you have been holding back.

You can heal your grief, no matter how deep it is. You may worry that you will never stop crying if you start, but this is not true. Grieving may take time, but it is worth it.

Let us help you work through and overcome your grief so you can enjoy your life fully again.

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