This is part 2 of a series on grief. It is a topic that is vast, dynamic and
affects every single human being at some point(s) in their life: Grief. What is grief? Simply put, it is a reaction to a significant
loss. For most people, it is often an
unpleasant and painful emotion (journey.)
Part 1 Causes of grief.
Part 2 Stages of Grief
As Part 3 of this series on grief we will explore helping
options. Some use the word treatment,
and yes sometimes help by a licensed mental health professional is needed, and
many times simply time, space and helping hands will aid in the person walking
their healing journey of the grief process.
A reminder is that everyone should remember that each person feels
and experiences grief in their own way, on their own time, and it is different
for every single person. Having said
that there are 5-7 “stages” of grief that most people will journey through
during their grieving process; not always in any order, not always the same
length of time for each person, it is different for each person.
Grief
and loss can affect overall health. It can lead to deep depression, alcohol or
drug dependency, and out of control behaviors.
Grief that lasts for more two or more months and is severe enough to
interfere with daily life may be a sign of more serious illness, such as major
depression. Medication and or therapy may be needed. A health care provider should be consulted if
the person is not dealing with grief, if they are using alcohol or other drugs,
if they are depressed, or if they have behaviors that interfere with their daily
life.
For
the majority of those who are working through grief, family and friends (their
support system) will offer emotional care during the grieving process.
Sometimes outside factors can affect the normal grieving process, and people
might need help from: Clergy, Mental health specialists, self-help groups,
Social workers, or a health care professional.
The
acute phase of grief usually lasts up to 2 months. Some milder symptoms may
last for a year or longer. Psychological counseling may help a person who is
unable to face the loss (absent grief reaction), or who has depression with
grieving.
Many
people will find that support groups are an excellent way to help them get back
into the swing of life. Support groups
allow you to continue your life journey in the company of others who have lived
through their own grief, and so you have a bit more in common and can perhaps
learn something from someone or help someone on their journey!
It
may take a year or longer to overcome strong feelings of grief, and to accept
the loss. It is about one day at a
time. I believe that journaling is an
excellent way to get through many life’s challenges. You can vent about anything, anyone and
whatever is on your mind and it is kept as private as you choose. It also allows you the ability to reflect on
where you have been, where you are at and if you have the ability… maybe see
where you are heading!
There
is not a magic or set procedure to “cure” grief or make it “go faster.” It IS about the human mind, body and soul
healing from an event. There is no pill
to make things better or change the way you feel. Living the journey, living your life and experiencing
the grief journey is what is needed for you to heal thyself.
We can be the change we seek in
this world. and in ourselves. One day. One journey.
One person. One step at a time.
Royal D. Bush serves as a Multifaith Chaplain
with Inclusive Life. He studied at
Andersonville Theological Seminary, and with the International Institute of
Faith Based Counseling. He holds a
Bachelor Degree in business administration. Chaplain Royal shares two important
messages: You are beautiful, you are loved and you are worthy, just the way you
are. And: Now is time in this world that
every human being is called to life up the weak, offer a hand UP to the
impoverished, cherish our elders and stand up for the oppressed.
Inclusive
Life. Non denominational. Non religious.
Weddings. Premarital Coaching. Pastoral Care. End of Life Planning. Couples
Coaching. Funeral Ceremonies. Hospital
Visits. We serve all without exception.
CONTACT
US:
www.inclusivelife.org (NEW WEB SITE)
402-575-7006
105 S. 49th Street Omaha, NE 68132
500 Willow Ave Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Omaha Weddings. Omaha Counseling.
Omaha Funerals, Nebraska Weddings
Council Bluffs Weddings, Council Bluffs Counseling,
Council Bluffs Funeral, Iowa Weddings
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