Let's Talk About Grief

What is Grief?

Grief is the reaction to loss. Usually, when people think of grief, they think of it in response to the death of a loved one. However, it can also develop after the loss of a relationship, a pet, or a dream

When people talk about grief, they often talk about the different stages. There’s a lot of debate on what the exact stages are, but it is a helpful way to describe some of the experiences of grief. The most common stages include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The stages can vary in length and severity, and do not always occur in a linear order.

While grief is the reaction to a loss, mourning is the process of adapting to the loss. Bereavement is the time period of both grieving and mourning and also varies from person to person.

Who Does Grief Affect?

Grief does not discriminate when it comes to who it affects. Because grief can occur from more scenarios than the death of a loved one, grief can impact any and everyone. With age, grief may occur more frequently due to the natural progression of life, but children can also experience grief as well.

What Does Grief Affect?

Grief can affect you emotionally, cognitively, physically, and socially.

The emotional effects of grief are what people are usually most familiar with. You may experience sadness, despair, guilt, fear, shock, emptiness, or numbness. The things that used to bring you joy, may no longer interest you. Another thing you may experience is initial feelings of loss of self-esteem, confidence, and even sense of identity.

Cognitive effects of grief can vary from person to person. They include increased anxiety, feeling out of control, and an inability to concentrate. There may also be changes in your ability to manage stress.

The physical effects of grief include loss of appetite, change in energy, trouble sleeping, and decreased immune health.

The social effects of grief can be some of the hardest to navigate. You may find it hard to go to places that remind you of what you're grieving. Relationships may also change due to isolation or emotional strain.

How Long Does Grief Last

There is no timeline for grief. The intensity of the symptoms will lessen with time, but the sentiment behind what has been lost can last a lifetime.

What Happens If Grief Is Left Untreated?

If the intensity of the symptoms has increased or remained the same after 12 months, it may have developed into prolonged grief disorder. Bereavement-related depression may also develop, but this mainly occurs in people who already have a susceptibility to depressive disorders. According to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder 5-TR, the key difference between grief and a depressive episode is that “grief’s predominant affect is feelings are emptiness and loss, while in MDE [Major Depressive Episode] it is persistent depressed mood and the inability to anticipate happiness or pleasure” ((American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2022, p. 177).

If prolonged grief is left untreated you may experience a decreased ability to function in daily living skills due to an increase in symptoms.

How Can Grief Be Treated?

When it comes to nonclinical grief, treatment is not typically required. However, if you are finding it hard to manage your symptoms, or feel that you may be experiencing prolonged grief, a counselor that specializes in grief can help immensely.

Where to Start?

Slow down. Give yourself time, and don’t try to rush the process of healing.

Reflect. Spend time reflecting on happy moments you had with the person or thing that you lost.

Reconnect. Spend time with loved ones or create a new community that feels safe. Invest time into things that help bring joy and laughter into your life

Grief can be very hard to navigate, and you’re not meant to do it alone. If you’d like to learn more about Grief and mental health, be sure to subscribe to my emails or follow me on socials @BloomingWithBisi. If you’re a Florida resident and are interested in booking a free 15-minute consultation call, email me at bloomingwithbisi@gmail.com or use the link below: https://calendly.com/bloomingwithbisi/15min