What is grief?
When people hear the word “grief,” most associate it with death. This is one form of grief; however, there are many other forms of grief that need to be processed as well. Other examples may include divorce, moving, job loss, loss of dreams, and major injuries. Grief can even come with positive changes such as a new job, relationship, or family member. Any time there is a major change in a person’s life, positive or negative, grief may accompany it.
What are common responses to grief?
Everyone will respond to grief differently, but there are some common responses including sadness, anxiety, anger, blaming yourself and others, wanting to understand why, and isolation. Any of these responses (and others) may come with grief. Suicidal ideation is also a possible response to grief. If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you are not alone and help is available. Resources include calling/texting 988, going to your nearest crisis center, and calling Health West to make an appointment (crisis appointments are available.)
Stages of grief and common misconceptions
Many people have heard of the stages of grief, but there are some misconceptions. The 5 basic stages include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. However, the process is not as linear as it sounds. People may experience all of these or only a few; they may even go back and forth between stages. It is common to reach a level of acceptance then later on, experience sadness again. This is to say that the process is not linear – and that is ok.
How to cope.
Whenever experiencing any type of hardship, coping skills are very helpful. Some examples may include:
- Expressing yourself
- Talking with someone you trust
- Physical activity
- Listening to music
- Resting
- Creativity
- Asking for help
There are many more and it is important that everyone finds the ones that work for them.
Individual Therapy
If you or someone you know is grieving, talking with a counselor can help to process and cope. Some common elements of grief counseling may include telling the story, exploring what different parts of the story mean to you, further exploring what feels unfinished, honoring what was, taking steps towards closure, and celebrating what you get to keep.
Group Therapy
While group therapy can be intimidating, it is one of the best resources for processing grief specifically because grief can be so isolating. In group grief counseling, participants can learn how to support others and receive support from others as they move through their grief process.
Health West offers both individual counseling and group counseling for grief. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Talk to your healthcare provider about resources and options for you.
– Julia Phelps is a Licensed Professional Counselor for Health West. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the College of Idaho and her Master of Counseling degree from Idaho State University. She speaks both English and Spanish and is particularly passionate about mental health in rural and underserved communities.
