Grief

Grief

When we are using all our emotional energy to grieve, there may be little left over for anything else. In fact, we may be expending so much energy that there is little motivation to do even the most basic tasks or everyday routines.

Your system is responding as it needs to, even though you may not fully comprehend what is happening. Allow these reactions to take place.

(Photos by Elena, taken at Black Creek Pioneer Village, Toronto)

You may find yourself experiencing panic or anxiety attacks. And these can be confusing because they may be uncharacteristic. 

Death can leave us feeling very vulnerable. The unthinkable has happened.

Concern about something happening to another loved one is a common experience after a loss.

You can also worry about the future and how you will cope.

Things are left undone and our productivity is seriously affected.

Sometimes we are anxious because we feel abandoned and we feel all alone. Like a child who gets lost in a shop, we are terrified when the sense of security the loved one provided is no longer present.

In the light of my loss, how will I manage? Will I be able to make the adjustments to a new life? Will I be able to go on? Will I come through this experience of loss.

Yet the grief process allows us to find the resources and slowly gain the confidence to believe we will survive.

Be careful that keeping busy does not become an escape from feeling the loss.

Remember that each individual is unique and responds to a loss in a different way.