Are you feeling devastated and alone? Are you wondering why you are having a hard time recovering after a loss, when others say you should feel better by now? Suzanne Sellers can provide Denver grief counseling that can help you heal.
Symptoms of Grief
While nearly everyone experiences grief and loss in their lifetime, our modern culture struggles to support those in grief. Grief and loss can arise from many different events including loss of a relationship, betrayal, abandonment, death, injury, illness, loss of home, relocation, separation from loved ones, change in status or identity, trauma, oppression, war, and violence. Although these unfortunate events occur every day, our modern culture may not recognize the symptoms of grief and loss:
Cognitive Symptoms
- Poor memory
- Poor concentration
- Forgetfulness
- Wandering mind
- In a haze
- Slowed thinking
- Feeling “crazy”
- Replaying over in mind
- Belief system is shaken
- Preoccupied
- Feelings of unreality
Behavioral Symptoms
- Withdrawn from others
- Searching for the lost
- Dreams of loss
- Wandering aimlessly
- Avoiding loss
- Not efficient
Physical Symptoms
- Change in sleep
- Exhaustion
- Poor self care
- Change in appetite
- Digestive problems
- Headaches
- Chest pain
- Sore muscles
Emotional Symptoms
- Anger
- Guilt
- Apathy
- Numbness
- Sadness
- Depression
- Meaninglessness
- Emotional rollercoaster
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Panic attack
- Unexpected tears
Unfortunately our modern culture no longer collectively knows how to provide the needed support to those experiencing grief and loss. There is sometimes an unrealistic expectation that people “move on” or hide their grief. Those that wish to be supportive often don’t know what to do or say, or they may not realize that grieving styles can be different from person to person or even day to day. Sometimes you may feel less connected to loved ones as you learn they cannot comprehend the extent of your grief and loss.
Anne Lamott describes grief well – “You will lose someone you can’t live without, and your heart will be badly broken, and the bad news is that you never completely get over the loss of your beloved. But this is also the good news. They live forever in your broken heart that doesn’t seal back up. And you come through. It’s like having a broken leg that never heals perfectly – that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with the limp.”
Denver Grief Counseling Can Help
I can provide the support you need during times of grief and loss.
Resources for Grief Counseling
For more information on couples counseling, please see the books that are included on the Counseling Resources page. Also included on this page are links to information of self-compassion, mindfulness recordings, and bilateral music. Self-compassion, mindfulness and bilateral music can help regulate the body’s nervous system and keep up grounded when experiencing grief.
It’s time to heal...
Please contact me at (720) 443-1480 or email me to schedule an appointment.