Counseling in Palatine, IL

Losing a loved one is among the most difficult hardships a person will endure. Immediate shock and disbelief are often followed by a long bout of grief. The realization that your loved one is gone can seem almost impossible to handle at times. These feelings, as well as the overall grieving process is quite normal, but everyone experiences it on different levels and to different extents. As you move through the grieving process, you are likely to experience physical and emotional symptoms of grief. Among the most common emotional symptoms are feelings of sadness, yearning, anxiety, anger, frustration and guilt. Physical symptoms of grief you may experience include crying, weakness, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, headaches, body aches and pains, and other stress-related body illnesses. These are all normal symptoms a grieving person may experience, but people cope with and express grief differently.

Moving Forward

The grieving process in natural and necessary for a person to go through after losing a loved one, because it enables a person to overcome feelings of hopelessness and cope with their new reality. Although the idea of moving on may seem impossible in the beginning, it is vital to your health and well-being that you take those first steps to moving forward. One of the first steps you can take is accepting the loss. This can be difficult to do on your own, so it is important to utilize your support system. Lean on friends and family for support, and talk to them about your thoughts and feelings. Being honest and vocal about what you’re going through cannot only help you individually, but it can also give your friends and family an idea of how they can better help you. Your loved ones want to be there for you, so it helps if they know how.

It is common for a person enduring the grieving process to have little motivation when it comes to self-care. It is, however, vital that you continue to take proper care of yourself during this time. This means eating a nutritious and balanced diet, exercising regularly, maintain proper hygiene, and getting enough sleep. It is also helpful to partake in hobbies and activities you enjoy. Some days you may feel compelled to stay inside and isolate yourself. On these days when you are feeling down and unmotivated, it can be especially helpful to get out for an hour and exercise or go for a walk.

Seeking Further Help

Maybe you are having a particularly hard time moving forward. Talking to friends and family may not be enough. In addition, you may be experiencing symptoms beyond grieving, such as depression. In this case, it can be helpful to speak with a therapist for counseling in Palatine, IL at the Lotus Wellness Center. Some people find it easier to open up to trained professional. A therapist can listen and discuss your emotions and experiences in a safe setting. Most importantly, he or she can help provide you with coping strategies fit for your situation.