Finding Your Way Through Grief
By: Ysanne Gabora, Counsellor, B.A. (Psych), M.C. (Counselling Psych), Canadian Certified Counsellor
Grief is a difficult process and can take on many forms. For instance, it may be as unbearable as losing someone you love. Grief may be a breakup or divorce, loss of a friendship, loss of a job, loss of a home, a miscarriage, retirement, loss of health, loss of a dream, or loss of a pet. The more significant the loss , the more intense the grief.
There is no right or wrong way to grieve. It is a very personal process and everyone grieves differently. Some of the feelings associated to grief that you may experience include: shock, scared, sadness, anger, anxious, numbness, relief,or peace. Some may feel blame or bitterness. It is important to recognize that these feelings are normal natural responses to loss. Face your feelings and express them in a healthy manner. You may have thoughts that accompany grief such as, “How will I ever go on?” or ask “Where do I go from here?”, “Why is this happening?” So many questions. Grief may also trigger old wounds of past grief and loss. There is no set timelines for getting over grief. Working through these difficult thoughts and emotions is essential so that you may heal and create a new beginning. There will be lots of ups and downs. It is possible with time to begin to see your way through grief.
Grief may feel at times like you are out of control. You may begin to get some control by doing some of the following things: