Everyone Grieves Differently

Anniversary Reaction Grief When the anniversary of the date of the loss approaches, many may experience what the literature calls "anniversary reaction grief." Many may not expect to revisit their grief on the anniversary of the loss, however, there is the possibility that revisiting these emotions can provide an opportunity to heal.  Some common reactions  are: Anger Anxiety Crying spells Depression Fatigue, or lack of energy Guilt Loneliness Pain Sadness Trouble sleeping Some do not experience feelings at the anniversary of the loss, but for those who do, it is very normal.   Here are some tips on how to cope with the reaction to the anniversary of the loss:  Be prepared.   Plan a distraction.   Reminisce about your relationship.   Start a new tradition. Connect with others.   Allow yourself to feel a range of emotions.          I am not looking forward to Christmas since my mother died only a we...

Coping with Grief and Loss There are 5 stages of grief. However, it is important to understand that no one grieves the same.  Some may stay in any of the stages longer than someone else.  Some may not follow the order of these stages. Others may skip some of the stages.    The five stages of grief Denial:  “This can’t be happening to me.” Anger:  “ Why  is this happening? Who is to blame?” Bargaining:  “Make this not happen, and in return I will ____.” Depression:  “I’m too sad to do anything.” Acceptance:  “I’m at peace with what happened.”       When I lost my mother, my first reaction was denying she had passed away.  In my mind, I could see her breath.  I went to the nurse's station and I told them they were wrong.  I could see her breathing. I argued with the nurse. I consider myself a very rational person. Yet, in that moment, I was refusing to believe she had passed.  It took over an hour before ...

Grief is the emotion we feel when we experience loss.   A sense of loss can come from a variety of reasons such as: Divorce or relationship breakup Loss of health Losing a job Loss of  financial stability A miscarriage Retirement Death of a pet Loss of a cherished dream A loved one’s  serious illness Loss of a friendship Loss of safety after a trauma Selling the family home What we consider a loss may differ as well as how we grieve.   What loss have you had and how did you grieve?