Writing and journaling is very therapeutic, especially with grief. One is able to express oneself without others present and also allows one to better understand one’s own sorrow and grief. Writing is an excellent coping tool for those grieving.
Journaling about grief can help one cope better with loss. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Training Program and see if it meets your goals
The article, “How to understand your grief through writing” by Beth Daly takes a closer look at how writing can help a grieving individuals. She states,
“Reading or writing about grief is not for the faint-hearted. Like all writing, it’s best not to edit too early. Let the work rest and come back to it when ready. Save that first raw draft and create a new version when you feel you’ve moved on to another, more objective stage.”
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Training 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.
Surprisingly despite the efforts of Grief Counseling to help individuals restore balance, meaning, and biological, mental and social functioning to life, sadness and even depression has deeper evolutionary and adaptive values. Depression itself is obviously a pathology and sadness or grief is not. Sadness though has many benefits, and even in some cases, depression served its purpose for humanity’s ancient ancestors.
Like anger or other emotions that respond to stress to help activate the fight or flight response, sadness also has purposes in helping the body recover as well as helping the body survive the change process of loss. In addition, sadness has multiple social benefits. So while, everyone wishes to be happy, sadness is a natural result to change and an important one. Grief Counselors can help individuals again find osmosis in life, but the temporary stints of sadness that human beings experience are crucial to human existence. These emotions cannot be dismissed as inherently evil but as necessary emotions in a world that is far from perfect. The emotions of sadness such should be accepted but monitored properly so they promote the self healing necessary instead of the long term damage of these emotions found in depression or even prolonged grief itself
Sadness, and in some cases depression, served to humanity’s ancient ancestors as something that could increase the change of survival. Withdraw, lack of energy and lost of interest in activities could keep ancient individuals safe from harm and danger in a prehistoric world. While processing grief and loss, the individual would be more prone to stay in a safer place, isolated from the dangers of a savage world. While these symptoms today are far less desirable in the modern world, they still serve a temporary function to allow the body to heal from the distress. With immune systems lowered, staying home and feeling the grief may be the best answer.
Sadness also affects the mind and emotions in a variety of ways due to various changes in brain chemistry. Individuals who are sad tend to have sharper memories than when happy. A negative mood tends to improve attention to detail as opposed to a happier mood which can become less focused on details due to the euphoric state. Believe it or not, negative emotions can also increase motivation. When one thinks of sadness, individuals think of unmotivated individuals but this is only initially. When bad things happen, the mind can also become more motivated to fix situations and make them better. There is a motivation to leave the unpleasant state.
Sadness has important evolutionary factors for survival. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Training Program
Socially, sadness also plays a key role. Through tears or behaviors of withdraw, it communicates the need for communal help. The function of sadness communicates to family and friends that something is wrong with an individual. Honest Signaling Theory emphasizes that sadness communicates sadness to others within the society. The sign of sadness not only is negative to the sufferer, but also to the family or community. Bargaining Theory looks at the damage to the society as a whole when someone cannot operate a certain level. This was true in prehistoric times especially but is also true in the modern world, when a particular family member plays a crucial role to the family’s survival.
In prehistoric times, sadness also could play a role in hierarchal social structure. If one felt more negative about life, it would induce compliance to the more assertive individuals. This in turn could protect the totality of the clan or group in allowing the mentally stronger to lead hence promoting survival of the whole. This is referred to as Rank Theory. Forming cooperative bonds with others to reduce risk of exclusion from social relationships places a key role here and is emphasized more in Social Risk Hypothesis. Again, in the prehistoric world, this was vital to survival but in the modern world, plays a detrimental role.
Biologically, the body when it responds to pain withdraws from the pain. The nerves signal to the brain that something is not right or bad. Likewise, mental anguish also notifies the mind that something is not right. A loss of family is detrimental to the structure and existence of all involved. This type of pain hence creates a natural withdraw from the painful stimuli. The withdraw can allow the mind time to heal and focus on the issue. This hypothesis is known as the Psychic Pain Hypothesis. Of course, only short term withdraw and avoidance is healthy and any long term examples of this can be detrimental.
Another similar theory is the Behavioral Shutdown Model, which emphasis of risk and reward. Again, during initial sadness, the risk of activity is higher than the reward, which mentally and emotionally pushes one to avoid. The body itself becomes more tired due to grief and stress and again this is a self defense mechanism, but only in normal amounts, as opposed to depression and prolonged grief. Overtime, a learned helplessness can result in which when an animal is placed in a situation outside its control, it adopts a helplessness. Prehistoric humans through helplessness could find the time and duration to rest to avoid danger, but in today’s modern world, any type of prolonged helplessness can be detrimental.
Another hypothesis is Analytical Rumination. When grief strikes, an individual’s brain is more focused. It focuses on the loss, the memories and the incidents surrounding the loss. When in a negative emotion, it is important to focus on the problem and find ways to make it better. This type of motivation to correct a wrong coincides with sadness. However, if in excess, this type of continued obsessive thinking and worrying can be a potential onset to depression.
Regardless of theories above, it is obvious sadness plays a function in life and a positive one if in the right doses. While Grief Counselors look to help an individual navigate sadness, they do not seek to remove it because it is crucial in the adaptation to the loss. It must play its role for a healthy outcome.
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Training 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.
Employees are not machines. They experience loss and grief. When loss and grief occurs, it can transfer over to the workplace. Production and other aspects of work are affected when employees grieve but employers and corporations owe more to their employees than a pay check but a true investment into their overall well being. In doing so, employers should take an active interest in their employees when they lose someone. This is why bereavement policies are so key.
A grieving employee needs help from coworkers and employers. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Training Program
The article, “4 Ways To Support Yo
ur Employees Who Are Working Whilst Grieving” by Sheree Atcheson looks at how employers can better help bereaved employees. She states,
“If you are in a management or leadership position, I am confident that you will have had to deal with at least one person grieving whilst working in your entire career. 2020 has likely increased this number substantially, depending on where you are based and what the death tolls of the pandemic look like in your region.”
To read the entire article and review the 4 ways to support an employee, please click here
Employers can play a critical role in helping their employees adjust to loss by making the workplace less daunting and being flexible the first week. This kind act not only is humane but also mutually beneficial for the professional output.
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Training Program 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 Counseling
Caregivers of the dying face higher risks of prolonged grief. As it stands, many have complications because they were not able to grieve while caring. Others felt relieved after the death due to the lifting of the tremendous weight on their shoulders. Guilt can arise from this.
Caregivers face grief that is sometimes not answered or dealt with. Please also review our Grief Counseling Training Program and see if it meets your academic needs
The article, “Study Finds Higher Risk of Prolonged Grief Among Bereaved Caregivers of MND Patients” by Marisa Wexler discusses this issue with care of MND patients. She states,
“Bereaved caregivers of people with motor neurone disease (MND) are at increased risk of prolonged grief disorder compared to the general bereaved population, a new study suggests. This indicates a need for greater support for bereaved caregivers of people with MND.”
It is important for bereaved caregivers to find the help they need while caring for their loved one. It is important to find counseling and time to look after oneself, especially in regards to facing grief. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Training Program to learn more and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.
Depression can lead to dismay and withdraw from life. It can linger and force one into a bed and afraid to exit a room. While depression may have an acute reason, it may have no reason at all and it can negatively affect the person’s social and financial life. The person will not be as productive or able to function in society and as a result, suffer far more deeply than just the symptoms but fall behind in all aspects of life.
High functioning depression is emotional state that many ignore. It is important to find help. Please also review our Grief Counseling Training Program
Depression however affects people differently. Some individuals may remain functioning at a high level but still suffer from constant depression. They are conscious of the depression but are able to move forward and function. While this is good it still represents a serious situation which can erode over time. The person can become eventually become more susceptible to various illness and emotional states that may present itself. Some also manifest a hidden depression. In this, they function but are unaware of the depression itself. This creates a a dangerous situation where individuals ignore the signs and do not seek help. Functional depressed are aware of the situation and admit to it and can seek help, while hidden depression lingers at a subconscious level while the person wonders why they are unhappy despite all they do everyday.
The article, “Do You Have High-Functioning or Perfectly Hidden Depression?” by Dr. Margaret Rutherford looks at the manifestations of high functioning depression. She states,
“Psychologically speaking, people with high-functioning depression are able to use the skill of compartmentalization, where you suppress your own personal feelings for the moment and instead, attend to the needs or expectations of the present. You metaphorically put anger or sadness or fear into a box in your emotion closet and stick it up on a shelf until it’s the right time to deal with it. It’s an important skill, and one that many people know how to use well and effectively.”
To read the entire article regarding high functioning depression, please click here
Please also review our Grief Counseling Training Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program is independent study and online. The certification lasts four years and can be renewed.
In the meantime, as grief counselors, it is important to diagnose hidden depression and lead clients to the appropriate therapists, unless of course, as a certified grief counselor, you are also a licensed therapist.
In life there are a few constants, unfortunately, death and loss is one. While one plans one’s day and deals with stress and daily plans, no one ever really thinks about a death that may occur. Life can change quickly at a moments notice and one discovers soon how fragile life truly is. What was the biggest issue of the week suddenly becomes minute and small compared to a loss or the death of a loved one. It puts one into a proper proportion of what matters most. Some individuals should learn from this from others and understand how important the lives they share with others matters.
Grief and loss can suddenly change life’s plans in a heartbeat. Please also review our Grief Counseling Training Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals
The article, “You Can Plan For Everything, But Grief” by Tracey Wallace discusses various lives that were forever changed by loss. She states,
“After months of intense grief, a year later Phil now loves going home to their house. He’s even started dating a bit again. And while the grief has become more manageable, he still learns new insights every day about just how special he and Alan’s connection really was.”
It is truly terrifying to see how lives can change through loss but it is also amazing to see how people fight back and cope and continue their lives despite the loss. One’s life will never be the same but it does not mean one’s life is over. It is altered but never over.
The holidays always play a big part in our lives. Some happy, some not so happy. Stress, loss and grief can unfortunately play a larger part than joy and peace. If grieving a loss, it is natural to experience the holidays differently than before. Individuals vary in how they will respond to the loss. Some may seek to keep tradition while others may need time to return to past traditions. There really is no true answer.
Grief during the holidays is especially painful. Please also review our Grief Counseling Training program and see if it meets your academic needs
Instead, one must navigate the holidays as best one’s ability. Grief will be present if the first holiday without a loved one but over time, it does improve. The loss never vanishes, but other ways to celebrate or even remember become possible. Others may learn how to better handle stress through a few tips.
The article, “Navigating the Holidays with Grief” by Laura Wade looks at how one can better cope with grief during the holidays. She states,
“It takes five to eight years to move through the emotions of a significant loss,” Boyd shares. “Holidays compound the feelings of loss since it is a time of connection and family. It is also a reminder the loved one is not there. Holidays are already an emotional time, especially if being together and focused on family was important to your loved one.”
Holidays should be taken gently and easily during the first years of loss. Only time can ease the sharp pain of loss. It is also important to remember friends and family during these times who may be grieving a loss. Sometimes a simply hello can mean the world to an individual who is still grieving a significant loss during the holidays.
If you would like to learn more about grief counseling or would like to become a certified grief counselor, then please review our Grief Counseling Training Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.
Grief not only affects our brain and mind but also affects our body. Grief overtime can cause physical conditions and increase stress induced diseases. This is why it is so important to deal with grief effectively to prevent long term complications.
Grief can have multiple negative effects on the body. Please also review our Grief Counseling Training Program
The article, “9 Physical Symptoms Of Grief You Should Know” by JR Thorpe states,
“Grief can be a thoroughly flattening experience. You don’t feel like getting out of bed, you cry all the time, and you can’t foresee a time when you’ll feel better. However, while the psychological effects of grief can be devastating, the physical symptoms of grief can be just as powerful, and you may not be prepared for them.”
Grief definitely can negatively affect one’s physical health so it is critical to deal with grief in a healthy fashion. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Training Program
Miscarriage is loss of a child. While legal status may not view it, the human heart clearly understands it. The child loss during pregnancy while never met is still present. Losing the child is losing a future. For some couples it can even more agonizing if they are trying to bring a child into the world.
A miscarriage is a traumatic loss for couples. Losing a child at any age even before birth can be traumatic. Please also review our Grief Counseling Training Program
There are many myths about miscarriage and how it affects the couple. The article, “The 3 Most Destructive Myths about Miscarriage” by Marilyn Mendoza looks at these these myths and addresses why miscarriage is indeed a traumatic loss for parents. The article states,
“The death of a child can be devastating, regardless of their age. What many do not understand, however, is that losing a child before birth can be equally devastating.”
Grief is an altering experience. It can transform us. While it can hurt us short term, it also helps us grow through life. Grief may live scars but it also makes us stronger.
Grief over time can strengthen us. Please also review our Grief Counseling Training Program
The article, “Finding Empowerment Through Grief” by Carol Lawrence states,
“Grief is one of the most universal experiences that we can go through as human beings. Regardless of how each of us learns to cope with the loss of a loved one, one thing is certain – the way we reflect on loss can teach us valuable lessons that we carry with us for the rest of our lives.”
