DEALING WITH GRIEF

Have you ever experienced a sense of loss? Grief is a natural feeling and should not be bottled up. There are different types of grief one may deal with:

1. Loss of identity

2. Loss of safety

3. loss of autonomy

4. loss of expectations There are a variety of loss one may experience in addition to the list above, that is normal.

THE EFFECTS OF PROLONGED GRIEF

Any grief experienced for longer than 12 months could potentially be considered as complicated grief.

Complicated grief is unhealthy and can interfere with daily life routine. The list below are examples of how complicated grief can take a toll.

1. Have trouble carrying out normal routines

2. Isolate from others and withdraw from social activities

3. Experience depression, deep sadness, guilt or self-blame

4. Believe that you did something wrong or could have prevented the death

5. Feel life isn’t worth living without your loved one

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM EXPERIENCING THIS?

It is crucial to be aware of changes in ones behavior and should look for signs & symptoms of

1. Problems accepting the death

2. Numbness or detachment

3. bitterness about the loss

4. lack of trust in others

5. inability to enjoy life

6. having trouble carrying out normal routines

7. consistent isolation