Bereavement is the state of loss when someone close to you has passed away. It causes you to feel a wide range of feelings. And I’m sure you’re no stranger to the unexpected crying spells, the forgetfulness, and the loneliness that comes with it all. Grieving a loss is not pretty or fun. It’s tiring, unpredictable, and continuous.
It’s an awful feeling losing someone close to you. There’s no sugar coating it. There’s no guidebook to follow; unfortunately, nobody can prepare you for the overflow of feelings that come with the loss. But you can find support. Talking about your loved one(s) and what you feel with someone is part of the healing process. I would even argue that it’s the most important part of the process. Learning to engage with people again. Learning how to talk about your loved one without breaking into tears instantaneously. Learning how to live life again without that person.
You will learn to understand how to cope with these feelings day by day because there is no right or wrong way to grieve. You won’t be forced to “fill the void” because that’s impossible. But you will learn how to decorate that void with all the hundreds of memories it comes with. The void will never go away, but it will become smaller as you learn to shift your perspective on things.
Loss can make you feel weak, but you always come back stronger.
What are the First Warning Signs:
Signs:
- Feelings of sadness
- Feelings of survival guilt
- Feels of anxiety
- Problems concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Symptoms:
- Lack of productivity
- Crying spells
- Trouble sleeping
- Changes in appetite
- Mood swings
Effects:
- Depression
- Forgetfulness
- Anger
- Confusion
- Panic Attack
Adult Grief Support Groups:
Check out this Adult Grief Support Group page for more information about grief groups.