Grief

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Many people have heard of the Five Stages of Grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages, identified and popularized by the late eminent psychiatrist, Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, codify the experience that many people are purported to have when they grieve the news of their own imminently-terminal condition. However, research on grief has shown that this understanding of the grieving process is lacking, and that grief is more complex than the Five Stages suggest.

"When grief is deepest, words are fewest"

-Ann Voskamp

Foremost, the Kubler-Ross model was never intended to capture the grieving process for those suffering the loss of a loved one. It was designed specifically to highlight the process that many terminally ill persons experience. Additionally, grief may manifest in a variety of ways emotionally, physically, and cognitively. If you're suffering the loss of a loved one, you may alternate between overwhelming sadness, anger, and dissociation from reality; your mind may feel as if it were submerged in quicksand, unable to process even the simplest information. You may experience anxiety that seems omnipresent, and you may be plagued with unwanted thoughts or nightmares involving your loved one. Physically, you may not only experience fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and a disturbed appetite, you may also experience headaches, nausea, and increased blood pressure. Moreover, these symptoms of grief may come on suddenly at the remembrance of the loved one; sometimes, tokens associated with the loved one act as a catalyst for these symptoms. Grief, it seems, permeates one's entire being.

Although feelings of loss and sadness may never completely go away, when grief is persistent and protracted, or if it continually interferes with your life, it may be time to seek help. When you're ready, our team of clinicians are ready to help you process your grief and find some healing. Our therapists are compassionate and caring, and they provide a secure and supportive space for you to explore your grief so you don't have to go through it alone. If you think you may benefit from talking to one of our therapists, please reach out and we'll answer any questions you may have. 
SALT Marriage and Family Therapy, Inc
(323) 999 - 4MFT
4401 Atlantic Ave, Suite 420, Long Beach, CA 90807
[email protected]