Author: Hannah Gantt, LPCC
Grief is a normal reaction to loss. We all grieve in our own way. Everyone feels some kind of sadness or depression after losing someone they cared about. This is especially true after the death of a loved one. Feeling sad, upset and lonely is normal during this time and it may be hard to function at work, school or home without feeling sad. But these feelings will pass as time goes by.
If you’re looking for ways to deal with your grief after the death of someone close to you, keep reading! We’ll talk about what grief is and how it affects us—and then give you some tips on how best to cope with your feelings (and get through them).
What is grief?
Grief is a normal reaction to loss. Grief can be triggered by many different types of losses, such as the death of someone close to you, a divorce or break-up in your relationship(s), the end of a friendship or romantic relationship, the loss of your job or some other significant change that results in you feeling like there's nothing left for you anymore--even if it's not directly related to death at all.
Grief is not just about sadness; it's also marked by feelings such as anger and guilt (for example: "Why did I let go?"). You might also experience physical symptoms like fatigue or headaches because grief takes an emotional toll on your body as well as your mind.
The good news is that although these feelings may seem overwhelming at first glance--and maybe even scary--they're actually part of what helps us heal after experiencing loss; without them there wouldn't be any way for us to move forward from our pain!
Grief is a normal reaction to loss. It can be sudden or develop over time, depending on the circumstances of the loss and how close you were to the person who died. Grief is also a deeply personal experience; there's no right or wrong way to grieve. People grieve in different ways and at different speeds; some people may need more time than others before they're ready to move forward with their lives again (or even start making plans for their future).
Grief is not exactly the same for everyone: Some people cry when they think about their loved one who has passed away; others feel numbness instead of sadness; still others experience anger toward those involved in causing harm or preventing them from getting help sooner--and so on!
Grief is a normal response to loss. It can be caused by the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship or even a job loss. Grief also occurs when you experience other losses such as losing your pet.
There are many different types of grief and loss:
● Acute grief - This type of grief lasts for less than six months; it's usually intense but passes relatively quickly as you adjust to your new circumstances and begin to move forward with life again. Acute grief may include feelings like sadness, confusion and guilt that come along with coping with this type of loss in your life (for example: losing someone close).
● Chronic grief - This type of grief lasts for more than six months and is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia and aches and pains. It can also cause depression, anxiety or isolation. Chronic grief may occur after a long illness or when there is no death or other obvious cause of the loss that you experienced (for example: losing your job).
Grief is a complex and deeply personal journey that we navigate when we experience loss. One of the most well-known frameworks for understanding the grieving process is the Kubler-Ross model, often referred to as the "five stages of grief." These stages provide insight into the emotional and psychological responses individuals may go through when confronted with loss. The stages are not meant to be linear or prescriptive, but rather as a way to understand the range of emotions and thoughts that can arise during grief. The five stages include denial, when we struggle to accept the reality of the loss; anger, which may manifest as frustration or resentment; bargaining, where we attempt to find meaning or make deals with a higher power; depression, a deep sadness and withdrawal; and finally, acceptance, the process of coming to terms with the loss and finding a way to move forward. It is important to remember that grief is a unique and individual experience, and not everyone will go through these stages in the same way or order. The Kubler-Ross model serves as a framework for understanding and validating the complex emotions that can arise during the grieving process, offering support and guidance to those seeking to make sense of their own grief journey.
The grieving process is a natural reaction to loss, but it can be hard to understand and even harder to talk about. It's also something that everyone experiences differently. Some people find they need time and space alone; others might want company or support from friends or family members. Even though you may feel alone, you are not. The best way to cope with grief is by talking about it and allowing yourself to grieve in whatever way feels right for you.
If you're dealing with grief or loss, here are some ways you can help yourself during this difficult time:
● Take care of yourself. Eat healthy, get enough sleep and exercise regularly. It's easy to neglect yourself when you're dealing with grief or loss, but this will only make things worse!
● Be patient with yourself. Don't put pressure on yourself to be able to handle everything right away; give yourself time to heal and adjust.
● Allow yourself to feel your emotions--the good ones as well as the bad ones. Don't try so hard not to cry; instead, let yourself cry if it helps you heal more quickly!
● Talking about your feelings with friends or family members
● Going on walks outside in nature (if possible)
● Writing down your thoughts and feelings in a journal or blog pos
Ketamine therapy has shown promising potential in helping individuals navigate the complexities of grief and loss, although it's important to note that ketamine is not yet FDA approved for this specific purpose. The unique pharmacological properties of ketamine, when administered in a controlled and therapeutic setting, can facilitate profound psychological shifts and provide temporary relief from the emotional burden of grief. By targeting the brain's glutamate receptors, ketamine may help to restore neuroplasticity and enhance mood regulation. It has been observed that ketamine therapy can promote a sense of dissociation from distressing thoughts and emotions, allowing individuals to explore their grief from a more detached and introspective perspective.
Additionally, ketamine's rapid onset of action may provide immediate relief, temporarily alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety associated with grief. It is crucial, however, to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to thoroughly understand the potential risks and benefits of ketamine therapy for grief management.
Grief and loss are deeply personal experiences that can have a profound impact on individuals' emotional well-being. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing, there are strategies that can support the grieving process. First and foremost, allowing oneself to grieve authentically and without judgment is essential. Expressing emotions, seeking support from loved ones or support groups, and engaging in self-care practices such as exercise, meditation, and journaling can all contribute to healing.
Therapy, including modalities like Ketamine Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT),
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), or Eye Movement Desensitization and
Reprocessing (EMDR), can provide a safe space for processing emotions and working through complex grief. Additionally, exploring creative outlets like art or writing can be cathartic. Ultimately, healing from grief and loss takes time, and it is important to be patient and compassionate with oneself throughout the journey. Every individual's healing process is unique, and it's crucial to find strategies and support systems that resonate with one's own needs and values.
This blog is not medical advice or therapeutic advice but general knowledge to help you get the most out of your experiences with psychedelic therapy. At-home psychedelic therapy sessions with generic ketamine may be prescribed "off-label" for suitable candidates as an alternative pathway. Over the last two decades, research suggests that ketamine may be able to safely and effectively improve many treatment-resistant conditions. A form of ketamine, Esketamine (Spravato), is an FDA-approved medication for depression. Spravato treatments are only available in-person in our office. Our at-home programs include therapeutic guidance, safety protocols, breathwork, virtual treatment preparation and 1-on-1 integration coaching to get the most out of your sessions.
