OVERCOMING GRIEF AND LOSS

Grief is the natural response to loss and it’s the greatest emotional pain we are likely to experience. Medical studies have shown that it can wreak havoc with our immune system, leaving us vulnerable to a variety of physical ailments including cancer and arthritis. A person in intense grief may become listless, depressed, nervous, irritable, even short of breath, or swept with waves of uncontrollable crying. You may become exhausted from sadness and crying, sleep poorly or not at all, even have nightmares. You may not be able to eat or may overeat,  you may not be able to make love, or may be desperate for sex.

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Your initial reaction to losing a loved one may be shock and disbelief, followed by a feeling of confusion, anger, or guilt. When you are going through it, it is hard to believe that grief is a healing process, but you must experience it in order to become whole again.

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Warning signs which may suggest you not coping well with grief may include

• Avoiding the grieving process entirely or avoiding painful feelings

• Refusal to attend the funeral

• Abuse of alcohol or other drugs 

• Avoiding talking about the person who died

• Using distracting tasks to avoid grief, including planning the funeral

• Increased physical complaints or illness

• Intense mood swings or isolation 

• Neglect of self-care

• Neglecting responsibilities

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Grief need not always be for others, in some situations it can be for yourself, over changes in your situation or to your health.  Hypnotherapy can help with all aspects of grief, contact me on 0427 639 778

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