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Loss and Grief: How are you doing?
When my dad passed away several years ago I lost my keys 4 times in one month, I would wake up at 3 a.m. several days every week feeling startled. Sound familiar? These are reactions to grief. Grief is a very personal experience - everyone grieves differently – even in the same family because the relationship of a father is different than that of a wife or a granddaughter. Unfortunately, often we grieve alone. Sometimes we don’t want to “bother others” with our grief, and sometimes friends and family tell us that we should be over it by now. After all the person we lost was ill for a long time or was very old and “it was their time” or “they are in a better place now.” Sound familiar?
Grieving is often described as the "work of grief." It does feel like hard work doesn’t it? Grief can be difficult because of the many factors related to the loss. If the loss followed a prolonged, serious illness you undoubtedly did some “anticipatory grief work” prior to the actual death of the loved one. If the loss, however, was sudden, i.e., accident related, suicide, a result of crime, etc. the sense of grief is coupled with shock.
The relationship that you had with the loved one also affects your grief experience, i.e. was your relationship close or had it been strained? Do you feel guilt that you were not closer or do you feel guilty because you don’t feel you did enough to help while your loved one was ill?
Sometimes anger plays a part in the grief process. Did your loved one get poor medical treatment or a wrong and/or late diagnosis? Did your loved one not follow your doctor’s orders with regard to their health (diet, smoking, attention to meds or exercise)? All of these factors contribute to your experience of grief.
Also, some losses are not so evident to others. These would include a miscarriage or a stillborn. Sometimes these losses are not considered as relevant to others as the loss of a person who has lived a longer life. In the case of a miscarriage, others might not even be aware of your loss.
You may think of that person on anniversary dates (their birthday, date of their death) or you might think of them constantly. Unfortunately, sometime people say things that can multiply grief. Have you ever heard someone say, “you should be over this by now?” or “I had a similar experience and I’m OK.” Well, most likely their similar experience was not the same as yours. Thinking you should be over it might compound your grief with feelings of guilt or frustration.
Whether a recent loss, or a loss you experienced a long time ago, let’s talk about it. Whatever your experience, I'd like to hear your stories and together find a way to relocate that loved one so that we can experience peace in our lifetime.
Together let us support each other in our grief journey.
Teresa
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Thank you for your encouragement. I don’t believe Karma is a part of this. I have tried very hard to live my life with love and kindness toward everyone. I have taken in and helped a number of people in my life too.
I have a deep faith in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. ThT hasgitten methrough the hard times.
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2 ReactionsHello @Liebchen50
You have shared some wonderful ideas with us on coping with loss and grief. I like what you said, " I try to concentrate on the really good people that have been in my life (and do get sad that they are gone) but at least I got to experience them." Being grateful for what we have had in the past helps us to see loss a little differently.
I'm glad that you posted about your experiences.
Teresa
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2 Reactions@vthatch
Yes, in giving yourself to others you do help yourself!
Teresa
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2 ReactionsThank you Teresa..i do truly think we are blessed with good people when they do come into our lives and as much as it hurts when they are gone (death or leaving) we need to remember to celebrate that they were in our lives to begin with and have the memories of that..No one ever promised life was going to be easy and most of the time it seems it is just the opposite but dwelling on the aches of the heart and body (and believe me I am a “dweller”) just keeps them with us and up front in our minds, while the memories that would make us smile and feel peaceful are alittle deeper all we need to do is to remember to dig alittle deeper when we are hurting and go to a to place where we were happy or at least peaceful. I believe Jesus is my Lord and savior as I was raised but i dont turn my back and i dont think either would he at the people who are truly trying to comfort and help by the words beliefs and philosophies they may have. I think we are all connected as well as our ideas and beliefs..hope your having a peaceful day Teresa 🙂
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2 ReactionsI just read all of these posts and am grateful for such honest and words of hope to give to each other. I was raised Catholic and studied eastern religions and read everything I could on life, loss, death, life after death. My conclusion is that everything I read and all of these differing views are valid. And helpful to one degree or another. I go to a Christian bible church, and a unitarian univeralist fellowship and a Catholic church depending on how I feel. Some days I use the idea of karma to get through the day. Somedays I lean on more Christian beliefs. No human being knows anything for sure because we are still in a body. I think, anyway.
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1 ReactionOh, I do want to say that I have had a psychiatrist and therapist most of my life. An assortment of different belief systems. My new psychiatrist lives in Israel. I see him through Skype. He actually discusses eastern religions such as karma with me and he has had some experiences. He was educated in the U.S but lives in Tele Vive. Did I spell that city right?
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1 ReactionHow very interesting that must be...has he helped you with whatever issues you are dealing with?
I know that is one of the hardest things in therapy is connecting with the therapist.. as far as spelling not entirely sure the first part looks right 🙂
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1 ReactionI agree with you 100% and thing they are all part of the whole. I did the same thing when i was younger and certain things just didnt fit completely so i went on a “spiritual quest” so to speak thru books and anything i could get my hands on to find truth and what felt like it could be and a part of all seemed to be the answer.. as you said we are still in body and cant be 100% sure what is except for what feels right to you..
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1 Reaction@Liebchen50 Yes, as you say, "the memories that would make us smile and feel peaceful are a little deeper all we need to do is to remember to dig a little deeper when we are hurting and go to a to place where we were happy or at least peaceful," are very important words.
Might we all spend time today, "digging deeper."
Teresa
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2 ReactionsI think caregivers need to be aware of anticipatory grief, a feeling of loss before a death or dreaded event occurs. If you're caring for a loved one who has dementia you're going to feel anticipatory grief. If you're caring for a grandchild who has a faulty heart valve you're going to feel anticipatory grief. Anticipatory grief is powerful and can take over your life. A health/wellness writer, I've written grief reconciliation/recovery resources, including a book on this form of grief.
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