ABOUT GRIEF & LOSS
"Where science, psychology and spirituality meet in a way
that makes a difference to your reality."
that makes a difference to your reality."
MYTH: Grief is only appropriate to mourners of the departed.
Fact: Grief and sadness is common when we lose someone we care about to death,
but it is also normal for ANY major loss or undesired change that we undergo in our
lives.
MYTH: The pain will go away faster if you ignore it.
Fact: Trying to ignore your pain or keep it from surfacing will only make it worse
in the long run. For real healing it is necessary to accept that you are in grief and
forgive yourself for feeling out-of-sorts.
MYTH: It’s important to be “be strong” in the face of loss.
Fact: Feeling sad, frightened or lonely is a normal reaction to loss. Crying doesn’t
mean you are weak. You don’t need to “protect” your family or friends by putting
on a brave front. Showing your true feelings can help them and you.
MYTH: If you don’t cry, it means you aren’t sorry about the loss.
Fact: Crying is one normal response to sadness, but it’s not the only one. Those who
don’t cry may feel the pain just as deeply as others, or they may be in denial or
shock over the loss/change. Everyone's journey is their own.
MYTH: I should be over it in 6 months to a year.
Fact: There is no right or wrong time frame for grieving. How long it takes can
differ from person to person.
MYTH: Moving on means you’re forgetting the one you lost or the person you used
to be.
Fact: Moving on means you’ve accepted the death or change that has occurred.
Moving on is not about forgetting. You can create a new life and still keep the best
memories and lessons with you in celebration rather than in mourning or resentment.
MYTH: Friends can help by not bringing up the subject.
Fact: People who are grieving usually want and need to talk about their loss.
Bringing up the subject can make it easier to talk about. If you find that your family or
friends are unable to hear or understand to the extend you need, consider a
counsellor or a support group.
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| Stages of Grief and Survival Strategies |