HELPING A LOVED ONE THROUGH THE GRIEF AND LOSS STAGE

Having to cope with the occurrence of losing someone who is dear to you, can be regarded as one of the greatest challenges in life. A good number of times, the pain which is associated with this, is usually great, and hard to put off. There are all kinds of possible emotions and feelings which could stem from such occurrence.

This pain could also induce insomnia, loss of appetite, inability to think straight, anxiety, depression and a host of others. However, it can be said that, such happenings are normal. Although, it could get to a stage where it becomes extreme, and the individual would need to receive extra care and attention, so that it does not lead to something else.

Basically, grief can be defined as an innate response to loss. It is the emotional suffering which is felt when someone or something you love, is taken away from you. It can be said that, the more substantial the loss is, the greater how the grief would be.

Below are common occurrences which could cause grief:

• Job loss
• Miscarriage
• Loss of health
• Divorce
• Relationship breakup
• Death of a loved one
• Death of a pet
• Loss of friendship
• Serious illness

The pain which is associated with grief, has the capacity to make someone to withdraw from the company of others, thereby staying all by yourself. However, it is not beneficial, as having the support from other people, is essential in the healing process from the grief and loss stage.

Sharing your loss makes the burden of grief to bear. There is this comfort which comes from having others to stay around you. Basically, the goal is to ensured that you or your loved one who is going through this stage is not left alone.

If your loved one is in the grief and loss stage, you can help them by encouraging them to join a support group. Grief has the capacity to induce loneliness, and this can be combatted if you have people who have gone through similar losses around you.

You can also suggest going to see a grief counsellor or a therapist who is well versed in this aspect, as they would be quintessential to passing through this phase successfully.