MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR PLLC
Experiencing grief and loss is a normal part of being alive. However, sometimes the pain can be so great that having a trained professional to guide and support you in your recovery can be helpful. At Mental Health Counselor PLLC, Michael John Arnold, LMHC, specializes in helping his patients effectively deal with profound losses in their life. Call or go online today to schedule an appointment.
Though life can be full of joy and love, in every person’s life, there will be periods of profound loss and grief. It is impossible to be alive and not experience this at some point. This loss can come from many sources, whether it is the death of a loved one, a divorce, the loss of a pet, or a financial loss. Personal illness and loss of physical or mental function can also be incredibly powerful losses to experience.
The grief that follows from these losses is natural. However, it can be hard to deal with the grief and move forward in a healthy manner. When someone becomes stuck in their grief and loses the ability to process and move beyond their grief, it is referred to as complicated grief. Someone experiencing complicated grief may feel that they will always feel this way and their life may be consumed by their grief. Often, professional help may be necessary to become “unstuck.”
What are the symptoms of experiencing loss and grief?
The effects of loss and grief can show up in many ways, some of them obvious, and some of them not so obvious. It is quite common to feel profoundly sad and down, experience frequent crying, and have feelings of shock and denial. Other feelings associated with loss and grief include:
- Numbness
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Anger
- Guilt
- Shame
- Loneliness
- Feeling withdrawn
- Confusion
- Exhaustion
In addition to the difficult emotions associated with loss and grief, an individual may also experience physical symptoms, including:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Headaches
- Loss of interest in activities that are usually pleasurable
- Alcohol or drug use
If you suspect that you or a loved one may be experiencing grief, know that help is available. Contact a mental health professional promptly.
What is a healthy way to deal with loss and grief?
The feelings of grief can sometimes be overwhelming, making it hard to effectively process the emotions and move forward in a healthy manner. When someone becomes stuck in their feelings of grief, speaking with a mental health professional can help that person begin to process their emotions in a healthy manner, reminding them of the possibility of living a life filled with joy and happiness.
To learn more about dealing with loss and grief and how you can get the help that you need, call or book online today to schedule your first appointment.