We all experience a loss at some point in our lives. Statistics show that 1 in 5 children will experience the death of someone close to them before 18 years of age. Though grief and loss are not always associated with death, they commonly surface after a loss – whether it is the loss of a loved one, a severed relationship, a pregnancy, a pet, or a job.
When a person loses something or someone valuable to them, feelings of grief can be overbearing. Grief can leave a person feeling sad, hopeless, isolated, irritable, and numb, affecting them mentally, emotionally, and physically. It’s important to understand that healing from grief is a process, and everyone copes with this emotion differently.
Many people don’t know what to say or do when a person is grieving, but be sure to have patience with the individual (including yourself) throughout the entire process.
An alternative treatment method includes psychotherapy. Through psychotherapy, a patient may:
- Improve coping skills
- Reduce feelings of blame and guilt
- Explore and process emotions
Consider seeking professional support if feelings of grief do not ease over time.