If you are experiencing any type of grief or loss, you probably feel like you’re going through a roller coaster of emotions, not to mention changes in behavior. Here are some examples of common – and completely normal – reactions to grief and loss:
- Shock
- Anger
- Disbelief
- Sadness or depression
- Confusion
- Physical and mental exhaustion
- Trouble concentrating
- Appetite changes
- Sleep difficulties
- Uncontrollable crying
- Numbness
- Guilt
- Loneliness
- Anxiety
- Feeling hopeless
- Relief
Whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or loss of a job, grief is a very personal journey and should be honored as such. But you don’t have to go through this pain alone. With grief counseling, you will be encouraged to express your thoughts and feelings openly and honestly in an understanding and supportive atmosphere. You may learn about the emotional, physical, social, practical, and spiritual impacts of grief as well as how to navigate the stages of grief that are common, and yet unique, to us all. Your grief counselor will help you to work through your symptoms so that you can learn to find happiness and meaning in life again.
Types of Losses
- Death or loss of a loved one
- Death or loss of a companion animal
- Anticipated loss
- Loss of a job or career
- End of a relationship
- Divorce or other family disruption
- Loss of spirituality or faith
- Developing a life-threatening or life-altering illness or disability
- Loss of a home (e.g., fire, natural disaster, foreclosure)
- Children leaving home (empty nest)
- Loss of financial security
- Age-related losses, such as independence or physical abilities
Free Grief Test
Are you curious to see how grief may be impacting you? Take this free quiz and find out.
Pet Loss
Some people are quite shocked by the deep grief they feel after losing a companion animal. But did you know that it is very common to grieve as hard – sometimes harder – for a pet than a human? This reaction is very normal, and no, you are not crazy! If you think about it, animals provide us with unconditional love and as a consequence, we tend to form deep bonds with them. People view their pets in different ways – a companion, a friend, maybe even a child. Losing that relationship and that special bond can be very painful.
In addition to being a grief counselor, Jennifer Blough, the owner of Deepwater Counseling, is also a Certified Pet Loss Grief Recovery Specialist and avid animal lover. She became interested in pet loss after losing her own feathered soul mate, Albert, in July of 2011. She personally understands the devastation and depth of grief caused by the loss, or even anticipated loss, of a beloved animal companion. Through compassionate and nonjudgmental counseling, you will be able to talk about your loss, as well as explore topics including the grief process, the special relationship you had with your pet, the significance of the human-animal bond, euthanasia and anticipatory grief, the importance of self-care, and ways to honor your beloved pet.
