Bereavement
Helps clients come to term with a major loss in their life. Everybody reacts differently when someone close to them dies, and the recovery and healing process will take time.
This period can't be rushed and varies from individual to individual as each person will have separate ways of dealing with the situation. However, some stages of grief are commonly experienced and it can be helpful to understand that intense emotions and changes in mood are normal.
Feeling numb or stunned is often how individuals first react when they find out a loved one has passed away. It may take some people a long time to grasp what has happened and initial thoughts such as 'I can't believe it' and 'If only' are things people often go over and over in their mind. The feeling of numbness is usually replaced with a deep feeling of longing for that person, and anger and guilt are common related emotions. Feeling agitated and finding it hard to concentrate or sleep, and experiencing intense sadness or depression are also emotions felt during the grieving process. These stages of grief often overlap and will vary as the process is a very personal one.
Sometimes it may be hard for the bereaved person to allow themselves to grieve properly, however this can prolong the pain. Refusing to accept the loss, mixed feelings towards the deceased, low self-esteem, regret, lack of support and difficulties in expressing feelings can all make grieving more difficult. Therefore it's important for individuals to deal with their feelings once they're ready, but it's important they are gentle with themselves and don't expect too much from themselves at first.
While the bereaved person is feeling intense emotions it may be hard for them to understand how they are ever going to enjoy life again. Life may feel empty without that person and a period of adjustment to life without them will occur. However, as time passes, the emotional pain eases and the sufferer will feel a little bit better with every new day. It is important to realize that the feelings of loss may never completely disappear, but gradually life will become more bearable and even enjoyable once again.
Symptoms:
- Shock or numbness
- Denial (disbelief that a loved one has passed away)
- Guilt about actions taken or not taken prior to the death
- Feelings of anger and depression
- Agitation
- Experiencing hallucinations, hearing the voice of the deceased or seeing images of them
- Sadness and tearfulness
- Disturbed sleep and appetite