Everyone will experience grief and loss at some point in life. We typically associate grief with death and dying, but there are many other situations that can cause us to grieve. Divorce, the end of a romantic relationship or friendship, health challenges, job loss, financial instability, infertility and pregnancy loss, retirement, the illness of a loved one, a traumatic event, moving or selling a family home can all trigger grief and a sense of loss.
Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross was a pioneer in the field of grief, and in 1969 she introduced stages of grief based on her extensive study of patients who were dealing with terminal illness. The five stages of grief are denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance, but not everyone who is grieving experiences each one these stages. Other complex emotions can also surface during the grieving process: confusion, feeling overwhelmed, guilt, shock, panic or worry, irritability and relief are all feelings that can be associated with grief.
There are often social changes during the grieving process. Wanting to isolate despite friends and family pushing for social interaction, not wanting to be alone, and feeling alone or detached from others are all common. Grief can also cause physical symptoms, such as insomnia or other sleep disturbance, weight loss or gain, aches and pains, fatigue, headaches and nausea. Seeking help from a grief counselor or other mental health professional may be needed if grief becomes too much to bear.
Many people describe grief as a rollercoaster ride or state that it comes in waves. It can be triggered long after the initial loss, during milestones, events, holidays, or even an everyday moment. The most important thing to remember about grief is that it is a highly personal process. There is no “right way” to grieve, and it can be hard to express our caring for someone who is in the grieving process when we cannot truly understand what they are going through.
Bio-Touch is a powerful tool to offer someone in grief, as it allows us to be fully present with them while offering gentle, loving touch. Bio-Touch also calms the nervous system and can help address the physical symptoms of someone who is grieving.
The information presented here is for educational purposes only. Medical advice is neither offered nor implied. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
