You may well be reading this after a devastating loss in your life. This feeling can be an all consuming and devastating feeling. Grief means we experience feelings and sensations can feel completely overwhelming. They can also be complicated, as our relationships in life are often complicated.

 

Whilst we know grief and loss are a part of life, sometimes it can feel as though these feelings are not going away. There may be reasons for this that therapy can help work through. If you are still struggling with difficult emotions or feeling overwhelmed after some time has passed, this may be when you decide to talk to someone. 

​

It is worth noting that feelings of grief and loss can be kicked off by anything that signals an ending. We tend to think of loss as the death or loss of someone loved. However, it can also be an ending of other sorts. Retirement, moving away, changes in our body and minds, divorce, trauma, fertility, burglary are some examples. This is not an exhaustive list. Really, any change can feel like a loss. As humans we constantly go through change and that change inevitably comes with feelings of loss, even if that change includes opportunity.

​

Grief has also been likened to a temporary depression; although it worth noting that sometimes complex or traumatic grief can lead to depression being diagnosed. If you are unsure, please do always speak to your GP. 

 

It is worth mentioning that timelines may not necessarily fit within a ‘social’ expectation. Once everyone else has gone home, it can feel like the world is moving on and we are still stuck. Similarly, if we have been a carer or we have been expecting the loss, then the grieving process can start before that loss has arrived. This can feel strange and sometimes quite difficult. Everyone has their own journey. There is no right or wrong. 

​

You can use therapy any time, although it may be worth seeking additional support if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms. 

​​

• The intense emotions aren't subsiding

• You don't feel able to cope with overwhelming emotions or struggling with daily life

• You’re not sleeping.

• You have symptoms of depression or anxiety.

• Your relationships are suffering.

• You're having sexual problems.

• You're becoming accident-prone.

• Very difficult feelings such as sadness or guilt 

• Unable to stop thinking about your loss and perhaps difficulty accepting the loss

• Struggling to return to daily activities 

• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm​​