Do I Need Therapy for my Grief?

When your grief has not started to decrease for an unusual length of time and is interfering with your daily functioning, it may be time to seek therapy. There is no specified timeline for this, however, if your pain is not beginning to change after a couple of months, professional assistance can help. Grief is often associated with the death of a loved one or loss of something greatly valued. However, grief is a natural response to any form of loss.

The more significant your loss, the more intense the feelings of grief may be. Any loss: the end of a relationship, job termination, bankruptcy, or failing health, may similarly cause grief. The sadness may seem endless, frightening or overwhelming, causing it to be difficult to know whether you are experiencing natural stages of grief or something more complex.

The Grief is Uniquely yours

Grieving often involves emotional pain from the loss of someone or something precious to you. It is a highly personal experience to which you will likely respond to in your own unique way. Due to its individual characteristics, there’s no right or wrong way to grieve or time limit for how long you grieve.

Moving forward can be a process that takes time and may depend on your personality, beliefs, experiences, or the nature of your loss. The grieving process cannot be manipulated or forced. It may take weeks, months or even years to work through your grief, your experience is uniquely your own.

When Grief is Overwhelming

Whatever it is that’s causing you grief, it’s “normal” to experience sadness, numbness, guilt, or even anger. These emotions may fade in time as you begin to accept the loss and move forward. The sadness over the loss may not go away, though it may change over time. If the pain of loss keeps you from doing the things you used to enjoy or the things you feel you need to do, you could be locked in a state of mourning. You may be finding it difficult to move forward after your loss long after it has occurred, so much so that it may be taking a toll on your day-to-day routine or affecting your other relationships.

Is It Natural to Grieve?

Grief is a natural feeling following a loss, though grief can become problematic if you feel it is overwhelming and keeps you from being you. While it helps to connect and receive support from others, you may feel that they are unable to understand exactly what it is you are going through.

Can Therapy Help Me with My Grief?

Therapy can help you work through your grief through talking about and remembering who you have lost in a healthy way. If your grief becomes increasingly more unbearable with each passing day or if the comforting words of others do not alleviate the emotional pain, seek the counsel of a professional with experience.

Carolina Counseling Services in Fuquay-Varina contracts with licensed independent therapists who can provide you with compassionate understanding at a time you need it most. At Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC therapists can help you to work through your grief. Call today.

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