Grief / Bereavement

Loss of those we care about in life can be both depressing and disorienting in totally unexpected ways. Whether foreseen or abrupt, loss may be felt so deeply that a person is left distraught, unable to contend with day-to-day demands, confused about how what was meaningful and satisfying about life can be so changed beyond compare. Complications to bereavement only add to sadness and confusion; our once socially fulfilling life may become isolating, alienating and increasingly private or alone. Areas of life we think could be – or once thought would be – untouched by death may be increasingly distressed by its effects.

Recognizing how uncomplicated grief may be compounded by persistent or major depressive episodes is a critical determination. For it is not only how but why we live and love that is incredibly important. Victor Frankl once wrote, “(e)motion, which is suffering, ceases to be suffering as soon as we form a clear and precise picture of it.” Therapy may enable a clearer picture to come into focus more quickly so real healing may begin.