Grief
What is Grief?
The feeling of Grief arises when something or someone dear to you is lost. It could be due to the passing of a beloved, the end of a bond, unemployment, or any other cause.
Experiencing loss is a difficult situation that can elicit varied emotional responses in individuals. However, for certain people, grief can be incredibly overwhelming.
Experiencing grief can be overwhelming and sometimes results in subsequent emotions of depression or anxiety.
Symptoms of Grief
Experiencing grief after losing someone or something is normal and cannot be easily overcome. Additionally, the symptoms of grief can differ significantly as everyone goes through it in their way.
The following symptoms are often associated with grief:
- Denial
- Shock
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression
- Feeling ill with headaches, chest pains, muscle aches
- Feeling sick
- Anxiety, including panic attacks
- Guilt
- Exhaustion and tiredness
- Loss of appetite or an increase in appetite
- Anger
- Feeling numb
- Crying
- Insomnia
- Intense sadness
Allowing yourself adequate time and space to understand and process your emotions and accepting your loss is crucial. The duration of this process will vary from person to person, with some individuals requiring more time than others.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief after a loss, it's completely normal. However, if you feel like you're not improving or have difficulty coping, please schedule an appointment with one of our GPs. They can assist you in determining your next steps.
Treatment for Grief
Grieving is a process that takes time, but there are ways to facilitate it.
- Talk about it
When dealing with grief, expressing your emotions by sharing them with a trusted individual, whether a close friend, family member, or medical professional, can be helpful.
- Give yourself time to grieve
It's important to remember that it's okay to experience sadness regarding the situation. It's best to take your time and not try to speed up the grieving process.
- Avoid self-medicating
It's best to avoid attempting to dull the pain or resorting to self-medication with alcohol or drugs, as this will ultimately result in a worsened state of mind.
- Keep to your routine
Maintaining your routine can benefit your well-being, as staying home all day may not improve your feelings.
- Get plenty of rest
It is crucial to ensure adequate rest when experiencing high emotional stress, as it can cause extreme fatigue.
- Keep healthy
It is essential to have a nutritious diet to manage your emotions and avoid indulging in comfort eating. Additionally, regular physical activity improves your mood, so it is necessary to prioritise exercise in your routine.
- Ask for help if you need it
If you need advice about support services, our GPs are available to help. They can also refer you to a counsellor or psychologist if required.
Causes of Grief
Experiencing the loss of something significant can cause feelings of grief, which can vary in response. Traumatic events in your life may elicit a range of reactions, and there is no one correct or incorrect way to respond.
Events that can cause grief include:
- The passing of a family member or dear friend
- The departure of a beloved pet
- The conclusion of a marriage or enduring partnership
- The disintegration of a close companionship
- Employment termination
- Home displacement
- Receiving a diagnosis of a transformative or terminal medical condition
When to see a doctor about Grief
The time it takes to cope with loss varies from individual to individual, and it is typical to face challenges initially. If you notice the following signs, it may be helpful to seek assistance from someone:
- You experience feelings of depression, anxiety, insignificance, or thoughts of suicide
- You harbour intense sensations of guilt
- Your eating habits and self-care are disrupted
- You're neglecting the well-being of your family
- The sorrow is impinging on aspects of your life, such as your daily routines or work
- You sense an inability to manage your emotions or witness any relief
- Your sleep is disturbed due to the grieving process
Discussing your symptoms with a physician can provide valuable insight into your condition. With Mobi Doctor, you can quickly get online consultations with a qualified doctor in your home. You'll be free to go at your own pace and choose a time and place that works for you.
