Working Through Grief
Grief is a natural human response to the loss of a loved one and can show itself in many ways. Grief moves in and out of stages from disbelief and denial, to anger and guilt, to finding a source of comfort, to eventually adjusting to the loss.
But grief doesn’t have to be dealt with alone. Across New Jersey, we are pleased to offer some of the best behavioral healthcare in the state with a wide variety of treatments through RWJBarnabas Health Behavioral Health and Addictions services.
Whether a person suffering from grief has just experienced the loss of a loved one, or is anticipating their own death from an illness, they will most likely be dealing with the following physical and emotional symptoms:
Physical Symptoms:
- Lack of energy or fatigue
- Headaches and upset stomach
- Excessive sleeping or over-activity
Emotional Symptoms:
- Memory lapses, distraction, and preoccupation
- Irritability
- Depression and feelings of euphoria
- Extreme anger or feelings being resigned to the situation
It’s also natural for people suffering from grief to move through its many stages. This process can span over several months or even years. The stages of grief do not necessarily fall into a set order either, and vary greatly from person to person. People may move in and out of these stages at different times throughout the grieving process.
These stages include:
- Shock
- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance
But managing these stages can be difficult for anyone. Whether you or a loved one are struggling with the effects of grief, we are ready to help. When you call our Behavioral Health Access Center – offering 24-hour consultative mental health support – we’ll help you find the right type of care for you. Call 1-800-300-0628 and learn more or for support services today.