Counseling and Hypnotherapy in Cincinnati Ohio
Loss, grief, and depression

Cincinnati Enquirer
Everyone knows loss is a normal part of life, and everyone has experienced some loss. Knowing this doesn’t matter when you lose someone or something close to you. You feel sad, a ‘weight’ on your chest that at times makes it difficult to breathe. You are easily moved to tears, often over ‘small things’. You may find it difficult to eat and sleep or you may find yourself overeating and sleeping too much. It may be difficult for you to collect, organize and express your thoughts, and you may want to be alone with little or no energy.

This is ‘grief’ and these are normal reactions to loss. People experiencing grief frequently don’t give themselves time or permission to express these feelings, saying to themselves or others things like; ‘I shouldn’t feel this way’, ‘I don’t have time for this’, or ‘I need to be strong for everyone else’. Our society helps dictate how we grieve. Employees are given 3 days off for immediate family members, and no time off for extended family, or those not identified as family.

Well intended family and friends who love and care for you try to make you ‘feel better’ by saying things like, ‘it’ll be ok’, or ‘you just need to get your mind off this’.

These messages, either given by you or someone else, only work to prolong or prevent normal expressions of grief. Because grief is normal, it needs to be expressed. Grief is resolved by talking and expressing your feelings. And this can take time, depending on how important the loss is to you.

Be prepared. Dealing with grief is painful, but when it’s ignored or denied, feelings can gain intensity and frequency which can result in serious changes in your behavior that may need medical attention including hospitalization.

If you’re struggling with grief, unresolved grief or depression, seek help. Talking with someone who is objective and can provide constructive feedback and suggestions in a non-judgmental setting is beneficial. While you can’t speed through grief, talking with someone who gives you time and permission to express your thoughts and feelings allows you to move on with life when you’ve finished grieving.