Loss and Grief

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St. Louis, Missouri 63141
314-997-1403

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Coping with Loss and Grief

When we do not do "grief work" following any significant loss, we are at risk for emotional, mental and social problems. Grief can occur in response to any loss: loss of possessions, loved ones, support, job, as well as loss of some aspect of your self.

Every grief is different. Some of the factors that influence how you experience grief include:

the type of loss
the age at which you experienced the loss
the sudden or unexpected nature of the loss
many accumulated losses, and
how the loss impacts your overall lifestyle (sicial, work, financial, etc.)

Though grief is unique, each person shares some common experiences:

Initially you may feel a sense of shock and disbelief. "This can't be true."
As the reality of the loss sinks in, you may experience a range of mental, emotional and physical responses, including:

- difficulty concentrating, being overwhelmed by questions and doubts and unable to think of anything else.
- feelings of sorrow, frustration, anger, guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, depression, and isolation.

- physical pain that can be real and intense, like aching heart, knots in the stomach, lump in the throat, and unusual aches, pains and tension in the muscles.

- difficulty eating or sleeping

As you experience all the painful emotions and work through your loss, you will gradually begin to go on with your life. You will learn to live without the lost part of your life. "Grief work" is necessary to help make you whole again.

There is no predictable pattern to grief. You may move back and forth within the grief experiences. These brief, usually intermittent periods are a normal part of grief.

If you or someone you know appears to be suffering from loss and grief, please call for help.

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