Signs it may be time to reach out to a grief counselor
We realize that each person handles grief in their unique way. No two people go through the same process of grieving.
Our grief counselors are trained to recognize and treat all facets of grief. Feelings of anger, sadness and depression are all completely natural reactions to loss. When these symptoms last for long periods or start to consume your life, it is usually time to seek help.
Prolonged periods of depression
It is normal to feel sad every once in a while. Sadness is a common emotional response to losing a loved one. There is an essential distinction between sadness and depression.
Persistent, unrelenting feelings of hopelessness and helplessness could mean depression. Constant depressed mood and loss of interest in daily activities are symptoms of depression as well.
Grief counseling can help alleviate some of the pain associated with depression and sadness.
Thoughts of suicide should be addressed immediately. If you have any self-destructive feelings, know that grief counseling is designed to take some of the weight off your shoulders.
Uncontrollable crying
Especially when loss happens suddenly or unexpectedly, intense feelings of sadness may compel a person to cry. Although everyone handles loss differently, crying is a natural response in the process of grief. Severe sadness leading to uncontrollable bouts of crying can be remedied by seeing a grief counselor.
Panic attacks
Usually associated with anxiety, panic attacks can signify a variety of mental instabilities. A panic attack is when you feel the sudden onset of intense fear or discomfort. Symptoms can last for minutes, usually hitting a peak and then declining sharply.
Panic attacks are accompanied by heart palpitations, sweating, accelerated heart rate and trembling. During an attack, you may experience shortness of breath as well.
These usually short periods of strong feelings do pass, but they can be quite terrifying when they happen. Attacks can be triggered by thoughts of the loved one who has passed or feelings of loneliness and despair.
Being alone during an attack can make things worse. Having a trusted grief counselor by your side can help you deal with this anxiety.
Anger and irritability
Increased irritability can signify an inability to confront deeper emotions. Grief counseling can help get to the root of these fears, bringing them to light and making them much less daunting. A counselor is there to listen to you while you confront these feelings.
Consistent anger may alienate the supportive people around someone who is grieving. Irritability and anger will pass, but sometimes these emotions need a little nudge from someone who is willing to listen.
Sleeping problems
These problems include having trouble falling asleep, sleeping too little, sleeping inconsistent hours or even sleeping too much. Sleep is heavily connected to the mental state of an individual.
For this reason, sleep problems can often be a sign of a deeper issue. Some people do not show symptoms of grief during the day, but they may begin at night.