Grief Counseling Resources

Grief refers to the intense sorrow and pain caused by a loss of some kind. It happens to most everyone at some point and can even be thought of as a consequence of having personal relationships. Grief is often referred to as loss experienced in stages and can have a number of different causes, symptoms, and reactions. When a situation occurs that causes grief it is important to deal with the loss, start the recovery process, keep an eye out for dangerous warning signs, and seek out additional assistance.

Possible Causes of Grief

Grief has a number of possible causes. The most noticeable cause is the death of a loved one. When a family member or close friend is dealing with a long-term illness, their loved ones often have some time to prepare for the situation. In a sudden death, however, the bereaved is often shocked and numbed by the abrupt loss. Besides death, grief can be the result of negative lifestyle changes or even seemingly positive change. Divorce, marriage, a pet that runs away, job loss, a natural disaster, and aging can all cause grief.

• Causes of Grief and Loss: Sorrow can be sparked by a number of loses, many of which may not be immediately recognized as grief. Look at some of the triggers of grief and how grief can present itself.

• Loses That Can Cause Grief: Life changes and transitions besides death can be the origin of grief. 

• Reasons for Grieving: A look at the losses that can cause grief as well as normal life changes that may also cause feelings of loss to flare up. 

• What Causes Complicated Grief: Complicated grief is an intense response to grief that may require psychiatric treatment.

• What Causes Grief?: Grief is often triggered by a major loss but could also occur after diagnosis of an illness, divorce, or disability. Check out this guide to understand other possible causes.

 

Coping with Grief

Coping with grief is often a long-term process. Depending on the type of loss that has been experienced it may take several years before the bereaved begins to feel “normal” again. Although grief can cause anger, guilt, and sadness that feels overwhelming there are healthy ways to cope with the experience including facing the sorrowful feelings, keeping a loss journal and maintaining physical health. 

• Coping With Grief After a Sudden Death: Due to the unexpected nature of a sudden death, those experiencing a loss are often shocked and may not be able to immediately comprehend their loss. Look to this guide for coping tips.

• Coping with Grief and Loss: This bereavement guide provides advice for coping with loss.

• Helping Others Cope With Grief: This resource can be used to learn strategies for helping a friend, family member or coworker deal with a loss.

• Life After Loss: Dealing with Grief: A look at the different types of loss, how to cope with grief, and ways to support others who are mourning. 

• Tips For Coping: These tips offer suggestions for coping at each of the five stages of grief.

• Understanding Mourning: Coping with grief includes acknowledging the loss, recognizing when the grief has grown out of control, and seeking out medical treatment if necessary.  

Symptoms of Grief

In the early stages of grief, the bereaved can cycle through a number of different symptoms. Common symptoms experienced include feeling resentful that a loved one is gone and fearful about ones own mortality. Physical symptoms that can occur include nausea, weight loss, and aches and pain. Behavioral changes such as crying, social withdrawal and blaming others may also occur. 

 

• Children and Grief: Developmental age can affect how bereaved children process loss and the symptoms they display. 

• Grief & Bereavement Issues: A look at common physical, mental, and emotional signs of grief are explored here.

• Grief What You Should Know: Traumatic grief occurs when an individual does not allow themselves to fully experience the emotions that occur when a loss occurs. The typical symptoms of traumatic grief are discussed in this article.

• Potential Symptoms Of Grief: A look at many of the indicators of grief including physical, psychological, social, emotional, and spiritual. 

• Psychological Symptoms of Grief: When grief affects the mental process symptoms such as anger and guilt may occur.

• Symptoms of Grief List: Everyone experiences grief differently. This brief list looks at some of the most recognized symptoms.

Common Reactions to Grief

Grief is a natural and normal reaction that is necessary to healing and recovering from the death of a loved one. Although grief affects millions of individuals, every individual has a personal reaction that is unique to their situation. Some of the more culturally identifiable reactions include feeling sad, anxious, listless, and withdrawn. Physical reactions to the process include insomnia and loss of appetite.

• Consumer & Family Information About Grief: The American Psychiatric Association addresses reactions that occur after learning of a loss.

• Moving Through Grief: A detailed focus on some of the most common grief reactions.

• Reactions to Loss: Intense, devastating, and painful emotions often occur after a loss happens. Common reactions are discussed in detail here. 

• The Process of Grief: The final reaction to grief is usually recovery, allowing the bereaved to accept the loss and to begin to put energy back into normal life activities.   

• Understanding Grief Reactions in Children and How to Help: Helpful advice for adults to help treat grief reactions in children.  

 

Stages of Grief

Several different models of the stages of grief exist. The most well-know model is the 5 stages of grief by Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, according to her grieved individuals experience denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages do not necessarily follow this order, however. Many individuals experience these stages like a wheel, switching back and forth between various stages several times until able to recover.

• 5 Stages of Grief: The five stages of grief represent a normal reaction to loss, read this brief overview for a better understanding of the process.

• Exploring the Reactions and Stages of Loss: A look at normal steps of grief including self-pity, remorse, and physical symptoms.   

• Grief Stages: A look at the different models of grief including the Horowitz’s model of loss, the Kubler-Ross stages and Therese Rando’s six R’s.

• Impact of Loss: The Grieving Process: Certain steps or stages typically appear when individuals experience a loss.

• Stage of Grief Models: Kubler-Ross: The five major stages of grief are explored here.

 

Steps to Recovery

Recuperating from a loss involves more than just accepting the loss, it also involves taking action. To recover, avoid using alcohol or drugs to cope and try exercising and practicing good nutrition. Talk about the loss and the feelings experienced, in support groups, counseling, journaling, or with others affected by the loss. Once the bereaved begins to feel better, they should open themselves up to socializing and returning to work.

• Helping Children Recover from Loss: Regardless of the type of loss, helping a child deal with recovery usually requires giving reassurances, providing physical comfort, and allowing the child to express their feelings openly.

• Helping Yourself & Helping Others: This guide gives a brief overview of loss then supplies concrete steps that can be used help stimulate the recovery process. 

• Strategies For Recovery: Consider these simple options such as talking about the loss to help recover from grief. 

• To Grieve Is to Heal – Grief Recovery Pyramid: This in-depth model of recovering from grief suggests writing down a history of losses to prompt the recovery process. A number of other strategies are also discussed.

• Understanding and Dealing with Grief and The Loss of Life: Living with grief means expressing the painful emotions experienced. Such steps as being patient, joining support groups, and seeking outside help when necessary are discussed here.

 

Risks to Look Out For

Often, grief can be too overpowering for an individual to handle on their own. Instead of dealing with their pain, they may develop unhealthy ways of coping with the situation. These inconsolable individuals may engage in risky sexual activity, excess alcohol consumption, and rely on prescription or non-prescription drugs instead of facing the loss. Thoughts of suicide, rage, and sudden negative lifestyle changes such as quitting one’s job without having another source for income are also causes for concern.

• Emotions & Grief: These “red flags” may indicate outside help is needed.

• Grief Counseling: These 10 questions can be used to review a bereaved persons response to grief and determine if grief counseling is needed.     

• Signs of Grief in Children and Teens: A look at normal responses to grief and more worrisome behaviors.

• Warning Signs & Symptoms: A look at the warning signs associated with suicide, depression, and unresolved grief.

 

Grief Support

When grief-stricken individuals began showing signs of risky behavior, seeking additional support is usually necessary. Professional counselors, social workers, and religious counseling with a pastor are just a few of the options for additional support. For many, having a safe place to talk about their feelings is also beneficial. Support groups, and grief mentoring services can be found in most areas and online options are also becoming available. Hotlines also offer support for those in crisis.

• Beyond Surviving: Suggestions for Survivors: Concrete strategies that can be used by those left behind after the suicide of a loved one.    

• GriefNet: Multiple email support groups are offered here and include support groups specifically for children, widows, parents, siblings, and veterans.

• GriefShare Support Groups: Designed for those mourning the death of a loved one, this group provides weekly support group meetings throughout the United States and Canada.

• The Compassionate Friends: These online support groups allow bereaved siblings, parents, grandchildren, and others to receive emotional support following the death of a child. 

• The MISS Foundation: This volunteer organization offers support to families dealing with the loss of a child. Support groups and mentors are offered in most states.

• The National Suicide Prevention Hotline: In extreme emotional crisis or having suicidal thoughts? Turn to this 24-hour hotline for support.