Grief; All You Need To Know

Grief is a normal and expected reaction to loss.  Keep in mind you do not just get over grief, you reconcile and adjust to your loss.  We also know time does not heal, but how time is spent working through your loss does.  Coping through feelings of depression and sadness can become overwhelming and you may need the help of a professional counselor.

If you are continuing to struggle with the ongoing feelings of grief, we can help you in journey through grief and provided the needed support to work through the critical steps in the healing process. 

Remember, actively participating through the grieving process will you help reduce the intensity and frequency of the pain. Grief counseling will also reduce unhealthy ways of coping with loss. For information on coping with grieving your loss, kindly call us on 08032872350 or send an email to info@4largeminds.com

Grief is learning to live in the past and present.

In the aftermath of a death it is perfectly normal to cycle through many different emotions. Feelings of sadness, frustration, anger, denial, guilt and even relief can all be typical of those who are grieving. Even when people know this, however, there are those who will not recognise when their emotions are making a major impact on their lives. Counselling can help people work through their grief, resolve any lingering conflicts and come to terms with their new lives and selves.

To help you determine if you need grief counselling, we have put together the following questionnaire. Answer each of the 12 questions below with “yes” or “no”. Total your answers and match the number of “yes” answers to the explanations at the end to find out if you need bereavement counselling.

1. Have your sleeping patterns changed considerably since the death of your loved one?
2. Has your weight changed considerably since the death of your loved one?
3. Have you experienced great or regular confusion since the death of your loved one?
4. Have you been unable to stop crying since the death of your loved one?
5. Have you been unable to concentrate since the death of your loved one?
6. Have others told you that you are not coping well since the death of your loved one?
7. Have you had suicidal thoughts since the death of your loved one?
8. Have you thought of harming yourself or others since the death of your loved one?
9. Have you been unable to make decisions since the death of your loved one?
10. Have you felt uncontrollable rage since the death of your loved one?
11. Have you experienced physical pain since the death of your loved one?
12. Have you worried about your thoughts or behaviour since the death of your loved one?

Do You Need Grief Counselling?

If you answered “yes” to between one and five questions then you most likely do not need grief counselling. It seems as though you have acknowledged your thoughts and feelings about the death of your loved one, and that you are working through them in healthy ways. If you don’t agree, however, or you feel that you would still like to speak with someone nonjudgmental, then you might want to us. If you’ve ever had suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself or others as related to your grief then you should seek professional help immediately.

Yes to 6-9

If you answered “yes” to between six and nine questions then you might need grief counselling. It is very easy for grief to go out of control or take over your life, and grief counselling could help you better understand your emotions and what you can do to work through them and eventually overcome them. Grief counselling can also be a great, safe place for you to discuss your loved one, his or her death, the role (s)he played in your life and how you would like your life to take shape in the future – both the positive and negative aspects of all. It may not seem like your life has been impacted greatly yet, but attending grief counselling could keep it from being impacted irrevocably in the future. Please seek help immediately if you feel that you are a threat to yourself or others.

Yes to 10 or more

If you answered “yes” to ten or more questions then you most likely need grief counselling. You have obviously experienced boundless changes in your life due to your grief, many of which may keep you from enjoying full physical or emotional health. Your days, and possibly your night as well, seem to be dominated by the loss of your loved one. In order to better move forward, to work through your grief and put together plans for your future, grief counselling can be an important first step. If you believe that your physical health or safety is in danger then don’t delay in seeking out grief counselling services.

Kindly call us on 08032872350 or send an email to info@4largeminds.com

Grief is learning to live in the past and present.

Authored by Mojisola Ogunkoya Four Largeminds Principal Consultant.