There are many misconceptions about grief. Grief myths distort how people grieve and what to expect when individuals grieve
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional needs. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals.
Please also review the video below
The loss of a parent after the loss of a child is considered the most painful loss for individuals. Losing a parent not only hurts but also can leave an individual feeling left alone or by oneself. The younger one is the more difficult it is to adjust to the loss itself. It is important for those who still have their parents to enjoy them everyday
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification
Ecological Grief is a type of social grief. It can be more personal but is can also be shared. The term was first introduced by Aldo Leopold in the 1940s to describe the emotional pain tied to environmental losses. Glen Albrecht would later refer to it as a mental distress caused by environmental change. When individuals lose or perceive an anticipatory loss of something, either in a unique personal way or even a more distant way, a grief and distress can result.
The environment affects everyone. Whether the indigenous person directly affected, or the person who lives thousands miles away. A climate that changes for the worst will eventually affect everyone. The ripples of the effect do not forever remain isolated but affect the planet as a whole. This fear and anticipation the type of grief most experience, while unfortunately others are already feeling the direct effects of this type of loss through drought, flooding and extreme weather causing massive displacement.
Social scientists, Ashlee Cunsolo and Neville Ellis both wrote regarding the direct experience of climate change. Cunsolo dealt with the loss of identity of the northern tribes who live on the ice and find identity with the ice. With the polar icecaps melting at an alarming rate, their identity and way of life is being stolen from them. Meanwhile in Australia, Ellis pointed out how farmers for generations are no longer able to grow crops to extreme drought. They too are losing their identity. Indigenous people are losing their identity but also far worst things, including their homes, way of life but also their lives. Flooding and extreme weather are causing massive displacements. These types of grief of total loss create untold sorrow and trauma.
Those more distant from the fire itself are also starting to see small signs of altered weather, but also are in a state of anticipatory grief and fear. Like those who feared nuclear destruction, the new fear is global warming and its pending doom. Individuals fear for the future, their children’s future and what earth will be like by the end of the century.
In addition, many individuals are seeing the loss of climates and habitats. This universal loss to humanity is a great loss. Many grieve the bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef. Scientists witness first hand the loss of beautiful eco systems and divers see the horrible damage to the reefs due to global warming. The loss of beauty itself is a form of loss. As more beautiful habitats die and more animals go extinct, a piece of beauty dies not only for the current generation but also for future generations.
In dealing with ecological grief, individuals must know they are not alone. They must share their frustrations, discuss it and find like minded individuals. Lament the pain together and not only lament but focus on change. First, focus on what one can control. Work towards better ecological friendly life styles when applicable. Recycle, save energy, and try to reduce your carbon footprint. One can also take action at higher levels by becoming more active in political movements to save the planet. Finally, find the natural spaces that do exist, or create some of your own via gardening and partake in the beauty of nature.
Unfortunately, there are many powers who value the dollar over the environment. These individuals push a false narrative against global warming. In addition, there are many individuals who are in denial of the pending problem. They choose to deny the problem and pretend it does not exist. Unfortunately, many powerful people in government as well as news outlet suffer from denial in their grieving process.
One cannot become caught up in denial and lies, but accept the reality that our planet is in need of serious help. Our grief for the situation can be a powerful catalyst to action. Like all social grief, it can lead to social action and change. By taking control of our grief and by playing our small part, we can grieve together but also change together.
If you would like to learn more about AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification then please review and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professional seeking a four year certification in grief counseling.
Sources
“Eco Grief: How to cope with the emotional impacts of climate change” by Aviva Fialkow
“Mourning the Land” by Lea Winerman
Talking about one’s grief is an important process in healing. Individuals need to share grief and experiences with others to help heal. When individuals discuss grief they can hear themselves talk and receive feedback in regards to their emotions.
The article, “How to Talk About Your Grief” by Rachel Maier discusses how to better talk about one’s grief. She states,
“When you lose a child, it’s hard to express the oceanic depths of your heartache. I know this because I lost my child, too. Over time, I’ve gained perspective and learned how to talk about it. Talking about my loss was like lighting a lantern in a dark cave. It helped me escape the void of despair and begin to heal. Now, I’d like to help you do the same. Here are some tips to try, based on things I’ve learned while navigating how to talk about my loss.”
To read the entire article, please click here
Please also a review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Grief Counseling.
In grief we deal with many emotions and its difficult to sometimes discuss it or experience it. We work through grief at our own pace and own way. It is because of this, it is important to avoid being bullied in grief and to have our own set of boundaries. We have discussed Grief Bullies in the past.
Grief bullies are individuals who attempt to impose their style of grieving on an individual. They also can try to diminish the grief of a person as not important or relevant. These individuals are an issue in themselves, but being able to stand up for oneself and set boundaries are critical. Grief boundaries are important in grieving and especially during the Holiday season. These are the times, when individuals, either grief bullies or good intentioned individuals may push the issue.
Emotional boundaries are important to begin with. In every part of life, it is critical to set boundaries. Whether at work, school or with friends, it is important not to allow individuals to push one around. While it is OK to help others, to be flexible and understanding, it is equally important to have boundaries that prevent individuals from imposing their will or impeding upon one’s limits. Hence it is important to have boundaries and also important to enforce those boundaries.
Boundaries can be enforced without hostility. They can be laid out calmly but firmly to individuals who test those grounds. Usually, individuals who unknowingly push a boundary only need told once, while others may need reminded more than that but it is important to hold firm to boundaries. Grief is no exception.
What’s Your Grief discussed a variety of ideas on Grief Boundaries in one of their most recent blogs. Some important information to take from it are as follows.,
In establishing a boundary, be clear, firm, and communicate it. Do not apologize for it, but be prepared to face questions that you owe no answer for. In addition, let the individual know of consequences when boundaries are crossed and be prepared to enforce it. In addition, be prepared to feel the natural discomfort that sometimes comes with standing up for oneself. Individuals worth keeping in your life, will understand.
In regards to grief, while it is sometimes good to take help, it is OK, if you are not ready for that help and it is OK to decline that help. Let others know, some days you may not feel that great and if you need time alone to respect that. Grief can make one feel unable to participate in going to an event or hanging with a friend. In these cases, it is OK to back out especially when you are first dealing with the sting of loss. Do not allow grief bullies to keep you in or keep you out.
Also feel free to dismiss questions that may seem to soon or intruding. You are not obligated to answer questions regarding your personal life. For instance, if dating seems too son, feel free to dismiss the question. In addition to this, one’s boundary should be able to decline advice and just ask one to simply listen. Sometimes, advice is not ready to be heard or not the advice we need. It is OK, to tell the well intentioned person, that you do not want advice but just an open ear. If individuals discuss with you their issues, it is also OK to let them know you are not in a place to help them because you are still dealing with your own grief.
It is OK also to decline to tell someone how a loved one passed. Sometimes people ask this secondary question. It is only up to you if you wish to share how a person died. You can tell them, it is to painful to recall, or you do not wish to relive it, or that the question is too triggering. You may say that you will talk about it another day, or you may say it is a private matter. Ultimately you should not disclose what makes you uncomfortable. You must set the boundary and live by it.
During the Holidays, many of these things may occur. Family and friends will want to see you, or expect certain traditions or visits to be upheld. It is especially important to let family and friends know if you want to be alone or if you do not wish to celebrate that particular tradition. Maybe you are not ready and that is OK. Again it is important not to succumb to grief bullying.
Ultimately, you may make individuals uncomfortable when setting boundaries and that is OK. You need to let them know about your feelings and remind them you are moving at your own pace and speed in your grief.
If you would like to learn how to help others deal with grief, please review the American Academy of Grief Counseling’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Grief Counseling.
Related Source and Content
What’s Your Grief “Setting Your Grief Boundaries”–please click here to review
Divorce is a major disruption in life and a life altering change. It brings about not only romantic loss but multiple secondary losses. Adjusting to these losses and finding a new routine and life narrative can be very difficult for many people.
The article, “Working Through Grief After Divorce” by Melissa Porrey looks at how difficult the transition can be for many facing the grief of divorce. She states,
“When going through a divorce or ending a significant intimate relationship, grieving allows us to work through the thoughts and feelings that are brought on by the many different losses that come with it. Whether it’s working through the physical loss of another person being absent from the home, a loss of security, loss of friendship or companionship, or even financial loss, each needs to be acknowledged and grieved.”
To read the entire article, please click here
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Grief Counseling
Sometimes loss is so terrible and horrible that it causes trauma at the deepest levels to the person. Grief that is unexpected or due to intense human cruelty or natural disaster and war can leave indelible marks on the soul. This type of loss takes extra time to heal and sometimes requires longer therapy to find healing.
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Grief Counselig.
Please also review the video below
Depression can be acute and have a reason behind it that develops from Prolonged Grief or it can be chronic. It can also have no true origin. It can be Clinical Depression or Seasonal Depression Disorder due to the seasons. It can be due to having a child and be post partum, or due to bio polar disorder.
The article, “W
hat to Expect From Therapy for Depression—and How to Start the Process” by Ashley Abramson looks into the various types of depression. She states,
“Depression can be an insidious condition that looks and feels different for everybody. It may present as feelings of hopelessness for one person and irritability or overwhelming fatigue for someone else. If you experience at least five of the following signs of depression for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, your physician or therapist might diagnose you with some form of depression:”
To review the entire article, please click here
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Grief Counseling.
Sometimes grief and loss can be so vicious, so cruel and sudden that it can tear a person apart. What a person can see, witness and experience can traumatize the soul. In these intense types of death and loss, a person may experience various trauma and complications within the grieving process. War, crime, natural disaster, mass death, and sudden losses can all cause intense trauma for the griever.
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a Grief Counselor
Good article below from What’s Your Grief .
Avoidance can be big issue in anything we do not wish to face. It is natural to avoid distasteful things in our life that bring back bad memories. Places, things, even scents can remind one of the past. We naturally tend to gravitate towards things of happy memory.
However, with grief, while initially helpful, one needs to eventually face the issue or the bereavement process will halt. One cannot keep avoiding a certain room, or a particular place. Many try to cope by avoiding by immersing themselves in work, or other things to silence the pain. However, avoiding the pain can cause bigger issues that prevent overall healing.
The article, “What is Avoidance Behavior? An Explainer” by Eleanor Haley takes a closer look at avoidance behaviors and how they can negatively affect. She states,
“When you are grieving, every person, place, or thing connected with your loss takes on the risk of reminding you of something painful. And in the early days of grief, reminders are everywhere. Not only are they all around you, but they’re inside, too, in your thoughts and memories. ”
To review the entire article, please click here
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Grief Counseling