Recognizing the indicators of loss and grief

Each person at some point has experienced a loss of a certain kind. Sometimes this happens one may not be sure that hey are going through is actually a loss. It is thus important for us to understand what loss so that they can handle the situation and/or themselves in a more helpful way.

Loss is a state of being deprived of something or someone or something that one values most. It is the fact that you no longer have something or you have less of it. on the other hand, grief is the intense sorrow following an experience of loss.

                                        Types of losses

1. Death-related losses

This is the most recognized category. It involves grief following a physical death e.g. Loss of a family member- Spouse, parent, child, or sibling- loss of a friend or peer.

2. Loss of relationships and social connection
   These losses can be as painful as death-related losses but often lack the same social recognition. Loss of a spouse, a child, a parent,, a sibling, a grandparent, a caregiver, a friend, a pet or even, loss of a mentor

3. Loss of identity, self, and role
   This involves grieving for a part of oneself that has changed or been lost, often due to life transitions. Loss of a career or job can mean losing a core identity, purpose, and social network. Loss of physical or cognitive abilities-e.g., becoming disabled, losing eyesight. Loss of physical appearance due to illness, injury, or aging. Loss of a dream or future–When a hoped-for life becomes impossible.
4. Loss of safety, security, and home
   These losses relate to a person’s fundamental need for stability and safety. Loss of home or homeland- due to forced displacement, migration, fire or financial hardship. Loss of safety after experiencing or witnessing trauma, abuse, assault, or living in a war zone, which can shake one’s sense of trust in the world. Losing a home can deeply affect one’s sense of identity, stability, and security
5. Loss of possessions and material world

Loss of valued possessions, wealth, or financial security (e.g., bankruptcy, theft).

                                      Symptoms of loss and grief

Emotional indicators

Sense of numbness, unreality, or denial, profound sadness and yearning– deep emptiness, loneliness, and constant yearning for what was lost, anger and irritability directed at oneself, others, or the situation. Guilt and regret, rapidly shifting moods, anxiety and fear-feelings of panic, insecurity, or worry about the future. Loss of meaning-feeling that life has no purpose, or experiencing a changed sense of identity.

Social indicators

Struggling to care about daily matters, hypersensitivity to loss, heightened awareness of personal grief, feeling dependent on others, increased need for support, withdrawn and isolative: pulling away from social interactions, noticing avoidance by others: observing others avoiding discussions about the loss.

Spiritual indicators

Difficulty finding meaning or purpose, questioning faith: uncertainty or doubt about religious or spiritual beliefs, spiritual connection: feeling closer to a higher power or strengthened faith, challenges to faith.

Physical indicators

A hollow feeling in your stomach, tightness, or heaviness, in your chest or throat, oversensitivity to noise, difficulty breathing, feeling very tired and weak, a lack of energy, dry mouth, an increase or decrease in appetite, finding it hard to sleep or fear of sleeping, aches and pains.

Cognitive indicators

Poor attention span and memory, hard to concentrate, disruption in verbal expression, easily distracted, difficulty maintaining focus, forgetfulness or confusion, difficulty making decisions- feeling overwhelmed by choices.

If you are struggling with any of the above symptoms Arcadia Harmony Counselling will help you to understand the complexities of grief and offer compassionate, individualized support.

Try not to give up, it is doable.

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