Grief Counselling Near Me – Losing someone you love creates incredibly complex emotions that can be difficult to navigate. For many people, the grieving process can quickly become all-consuming and begin to affect how well you are able to participate and engage in daily life. When this happens, it is a good sign that you should seek the guidance of a licensed grief counsellor in order to help you process and work through your emotions. Debilitating grief can be a normal part of the mourning process, but eventually it needs to be addressed for true healing to begin to take place. Relying on a counsellor such as one of the expert therapists at Horizon Plymouth can be incredibly beneficial as you begin a journey of healing that allows you to remember and honour your loved one while returning to a healthier frame of mind and daily routine.
Initial symptoms of grief
Everyone processes grief differently, and not everyone will immediately feel overwhelmed and debilitated by crushing feelings and reminders of their loss. Fleeting emotions of sadness and grief are a normal part of the mourning process, but when these feelings linger and begin to affect your ability to engage in your daily routines, it can be time to seek help. Below are some of the most common symptoms of the grieving process.
- Feeling numb, or in shock: This is often the first stage of the grieving process, usually felt immediately after loss. Your brain is processing the news, leaving you feeling as though you aren’t fully aware of your surroundings or are in a daze and just “going through the motions.”
- Guilt/blame: Sometimes people mourning a loved one get caught in cycles of guilt over things that they didn’t say or do prior to their loss, as well as blaming themselves for not being able to do anything to change the outcome.
- Extreme apathy or exhaustion: Feelings of grief that are so debilitating that you feel as though you can’t muster the energy to accomplish even the smallest routine tasks are also common. These feelings can come in sudden, unexpected waves or be a near-constant presence.
- Anger: Misguided or otherwise, feelings of anger are common after a loss, especially during times when emotions are high.
Most people experience some or all of these feelings as part of the normal process of healing from bereavement. However, if you feel that they are present constantly and you are unable to participate in your life, it may be a sign that you should reach out to one of the experienced Horizon counsellors for help processing your grief.
Helpful actions when processing grief
There are seven stages of a normal grieving process, and the best way to successfully make it through all parts is by speaking with a licensed counsellor who can help guide you as you process the emotions surrounding your loss. Reach out to others who have dealt with loss in the past or who are currently dealing with these emotions. Having the support of individuals who are going through the same things you are can be incredibly helpful. Set small, easily achievable goals for your healing process, and have patience with yourself if the healing process isn’t as quick or looks different than you imagined.
Importantly, remember that you are not going through these experiences alone. As much as you may feel as though nobody else could possibly understand the intensity of emotions you may be feeling, isolating yourself is never the answer. Reaching out to others—be it friend, family, grief counsellor, or all of the above—is the best way to ensure that you work through the stages of grief in a healthy manner. If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of grief after a loss, reach out to the caring, professional counsellors at Horizon Plymouth to schedule your initial consultation today. Losing a loved one is incredibly hard, but help is available.