{"id":2375,"date":"2012-11-01T13:28:08","date_gmt":"2012-11-01T12:28:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/?p=2375"},"modified":"2023-03-14T04:46:27","modified_gmt":"2023-03-14T04:46:27","slug":"symptoms-of-bereavement-how-to-cope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/symptoms-of-bereavement-how-to-cope.htm","title":{"rendered":"Bereavement – A Close Look at The Symptoms and How To Cope"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"By:

By: Andy Blackledge<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Even more so than other experiences, loss is a personal process. It can’t be completely predicted, and comparing it to the experiences of others is helpful but can only act as a guideline. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Remember, you had a personal relationship with the person who passed away that was between you, and them. Processing their passing will be as unique to you.<\/p>\n

The biggest thing to keep in mind with bereavement is to go easy on yourself and avoid judging yourself or your experience. <\/strong><\/p>\n

What makes mourning so overwhelming is that it is so multi-faceted. Any old idea you might have had that it’s just ‘feeling sad’ quickly disappears when you actually experience bereavement.<\/p>\n

Bereavement and the Anger Tsunami<\/h3>\n

Bereavement doesn’t just bring tears – it can bring anger<\/a>. Big waves of anger<\/a>. <\/strong>This is a normal way to process things that are hard to understand. You might feel angry in all kinds of wild ways – angry at the person for dying, angry at God, angry at doctors, even angry at yourself for somehow not ‘stopping’ the other person from passing.<\/p>\n

Instead of pretending you don’t feel it, explore your anger.<\/strong> Journalling can help, and some people feel relief from things like punching pillows or getting out the energy physically, such as going for a long run or working with a punching bag. Others find art therapy works. Keep trying different things until you find a way that helps.<\/p>\n

Is it that important to manage your anger when grieving?<\/strong> Yes. Otherwise you can project<\/a> it onto the very ones you love, and whose love and support you need right now.<\/p>\n

Numbness and Guilt<\/h3>\n

Think you actually feel nothing at all? Numbness is another common emotional response to bereavement. <\/strong>It’s fine to feel numb, but don’t block the feelings when they do eventually come.<\/p>\n

\"symptoms<\/a>

By: William Wootton<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

What if you can’t cry anymore? This can evoke guilt<\/a><\/strong> if you compare your own ability to cry to others. Again, bereavement is personal. Just because you are not crying does not mean you are not emotionally affected.<\/p>\n

Speaking of guilt<\/strong> – it’s another common side effect of grief. You might feel guilty that you are still alive, even, or have so many regrets about what you did and didn’t do for your loved one you can hardly face yourself.<\/p>\n

Loneliness and Loss<\/h3>\n

One of the less talked about feelings bereavement can trigger is loneliness<\/a>. <\/strong>Obviously, losing a partner, sibling or child can leave a large hole in your life. But it can be something that triggers even if you are surrounded by other loved ones.<\/p>\n

A feeling can begin that you can’t connect to others, or you might feel uninterested in the social life you once have.<\/span>With your new understanding of the preciousness of life, others can suddenly seem shallow, friendships you once valued might seem pointless. <\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Loneliness<\/a> is important to recognise and manage, as it can quickly spiral into substantial depression<\/a>.<\/strong> Remember that you are seeing the world through the filter of grief, and instead of pushing people away, just let them know you are taking a time out.<\/p>\n

Then reach out for support<\/strong>, either through re-connecting with old friends you feel might understand better, joining a local bereavement support group, or even calling the Good Samaritans if it ever becomes too much.<\/p>\n

Physical Reactions of Bereavement<\/h3>\n

Physical symptoms of bereavement can include:<\/p>\n