According to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), grief is a reaction to a major loss. Grief can be debilitating as it can severely affect motivations and inspirations for functioning in everyday activities. Everyone grieves differently and the time it takes for recovery varies from person to person, so overcoming grief becomes a matter of time and patience.
Causes
Generally, grief is expected after the death of a loved one or the loss of a significant relationship. However, grief can occur in more situations than death, such as the loss of health, a job, financial stability, friendship, dreams or other losses, such as a miscarriage or the death of a pet. Even subtle changes can send you into a cycle of grief, such as graduating from college or moving away from home.
Symptoms
According to SAMHSA, just after a death or loss you may feel empty and numb, as if you are in shock. You may notice physical changes, such as trembling, nausea, trouble breathing, muscle weakness, dry mouth, or trouble sleeping and eating. Grief may also be felt through anger at yourself or at others. You may be absent-minded, lack motivation at work or have nightmares.
Stages
The major stages of grief are denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. In the denial stage, you may feel numb. During the anger stage, you may lash out at yourself or others. Bargaining occurs when you attempt to make deals with a higher power, such as "If I am cured of this cancer, I will never smoke again." While in the depression stage, you may cry uncontrollably or lack motivation. Acceptance is the final stage when you come to terms with the situation or loss, finally freeing yourself of grief. Not all stages must be felt or experienced to heal, and each stage will have various durations.
Treatments
Unless your grief is diagnosed as depression, you can seek help through various means. Family and friends can offer support while you heal. Outside forces, such as your church or religious support system, self-help groups and books, social workers, or specialists may be able to help you overcome your grief in a healthy and effective way. Taking care of your personal health and wellness will also help you heal from grief and emotional trauma.
Grief vs. Depression
According to Help Guide, determining whether you are grieving or experiencing depression can often be difficult. Some symptoms that are present with depression but not with grief include an "intense, pervasive sense of guilt, thoughts of suicide or a preoccupation with dying, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, slow speech and body movements, inability to function at work, home, and/or school or seeing or hearing things that aren't there." If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it might be time to seek professional care.
