Grief: When to Seek Grief Counseling
By: Julissa Acebo
The five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance) are normal. When grief becomes unbearable, therapy can help ease the pain and help you progress.
10 signs that indicate you should seek grief counseling:
- You’re having suicidal thoughts and/or persistent feelings of depression.
- You’re experiencing ongoing symptoms of distress, such as crying, insomnia, loss of appetite, increased irritability, anger, and panic attacks.
- Struggling to complete everyday tasks, including basic self-care.
- You frequent familiar places, hoping to see your departed loved one there, or avoid locations and situations that may remind you of your loss.
- You’re abusing substances like alcohol or drugs, or engaging in addictive behaviors, like gambling.
- You’re withdrawn and avoiding social interaction.
- You have no support system.
- You’re feeling bereavement guilt, possibly blaming yourself for your loved one’s death or grappling with regret about your relationship with the deceased.
- You’ve “moved on” a little too well.
- Grief interferes with your work.
How grief counseling can help:
- Allows you to express your emotions
- Help you address any feelings of guilt you may harbor
- Help you come to terms with your new reality
- Help you deal with your trauma
If you or someone you know is experiencing Unbearable Grief please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com
Sources:
https://www.psycom.net/stages-of-grief
https://www.gwic.com/Education-Center/Grief-Support/13-signs-you-should-seek-grief-counseling
CounselingRx 