Grief and Loss
Grief is a natural reaction that occurs following a traumatic event, such as the loss of a loved one or a sudden change in your way of life. Most people will experience grief at some point in their lives, and it is natural to have feelings of disbelief, anger, and sadness when grieving.
If you are grieving and hesitant to seek help, know that a psychiatrist or therapist can provide an exceptional level of comfort that is difficult to achieve on your own. The compassionate professionals at IBH are well trained to guide you through the grieving process and provide you the highest quality care.
Will treatment help my children cope with grief?
Children may express grief in the following ways:
- Complaining of physical ailments
- Acting out
- Misplaced sadness
- Acting like everything is normal
It is important to validate their feelings and allow them to express them in the way they feel most safe. A therapist can open the floor for an open and honest discussion that they may not feel comfortable having with a family member. The therapist may also encourage them to express their grief in creative ways such as through drawing or singing.
Your child may need increased assistance or further intervention if you notice that they are increasingly acting out, seeming disinterested in previously enjoyed activities, or having changes in daily habits (eating, sleeping, etc.)
How can I care for the bereaved?
Grief is an intensely personal journey, so it is important to support the bereaved in a manner befitting them
Supportive actions to take:
- Providing transportation places
- Supplying food
- Sending flowers
- Be available
The bereaved may not want to interact, but the physical presence of a loved one is often comforting in times of grief. Allow the person to experience the full breadth of their emotions and don’t try to offer solutions. Instead, be understanding and patient, allowing them to grieve the way they need to.
How do I know if my loved one needs psychiatric intervention when coping with grief?
There is no “right” amount of time to grieve. However, if your loved one has been grieving for over a year, it is recommended that they be evaluated by a medical professional.