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Grief and Loss Articles
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- ***Grief and Menopause - by Submitted on Mar 26, 2009 from John AOVSoon after my husband’s death, I felt myself descending deeper and deeper into a dark, lethargic place. My body felt sluggish. My mind felt like it was stuffed with cotton balls. I ate little, but seemed to be gaining weight. I decided to visit my naturopathic doctor. She reminded me that I was ...
Views: 5724 - ***Grief and Restlessness - by Submitted on Mar 26, 2009 from John AOVGrief and loss can manifest in many different ways. Your world is different now. You may not be sure what to do next. You may feel very hesitant and unsure of yourself and your ability to make decisions. These feelings may lead to figeting and restlessness. You may have difficulty sleeping as a ...
Views: 2407 - ***Grief and Telling the Truth - by Submitted on Mar 26, 2009 from John AOVWhile I would not say that I am a people pleaser, I would say that I prefer to avoid conflict. In fact, I really dislike conflict. This desire to avoid conflict has led me to compromise my truth, especially after I lost my husband. Someone would ask me how I was doing. At first I tried to be ...
Views: 812 - ***Grief and the Present Moment - by Submitted on Nov 10, 2008 from Robin KSometimes life seems to be a giant “to do” list. The goal of our days becomes the exercise of checking items off our list. When grief is involved, the frustration can seem overwhelming. Grief is not easily checked off the list. Getting through each day can become the goal of each day for those ...
Views: 1205 - ***Grief is a Journey - by Submitted on Mar 26, 2009 from John AOVSometimes life seems to become a giant “to do” list. It’s just about getting done and checking things off the list. We forget about the journey and focus solely on the end result. Then we experience frustration or annoyance over any delays in reaching the projected end result. The same thing ...
Views: 848 - ***How to Survive the Holidays: Tips for Grievers - by Submitted on Dec 17, 2008 from Robin KThe holidays can be a very difficult time for those who are grieving. The holidays are all about spending time with family and friends. The holidays are all about traditions such as special meals or special trips or special gifting rituals or special gatherings. I remember my first holiday ...
Views: 2177 - ***Mood Swings During Grief - by Submitted on Mar 26, 2009 from John AOVDuring grief you may find your mood swinging back and forth between guilt and anger. Or you may feel depression and anxiety shifting quickly inside. These mood swings can cause you to feel stuck and confused about your grief. You may find yourself directing anger at yourself or at your deceased ...
Views: 4037 - ***Myths About Grief, Part 5 - by Submitted on Feb 22, 2009 from Sandy ClendenenSo far in this series of articles on the Myths of Grief we have discussed the following myths: 1) It just takes time. 2) Keep your grieving to yourself. 3) Put on a happy face. You'll feel better. 4) Be strong. Others are depending on you. We have explored how each of these ...
Views: 1132 - ***Myths About Grief--Part 2 - by Submitted on Feb 16, 2009 from Sandy ClendenenIn the previous article I shared with you one of the most prevalent myths encountered by grievers; namely,"...it just takes time to heal grief." I explained how this myth, along with many others, have been passed down from generation to generation, and how these myths are assumed to be factual ...
Views: 1075 - ***Myths About Grieving, Part 4 - by Submitted on Feb 21, 2009 from Sandy ClendenenThis is the fourth article in a series of 8 articles about some of the prevalent myths that can keep grievers stuck in their grief much longer than necessary. The myth we will focus on in this article is: "Be strong. Others are depending on you." This myth can be a real energy drainer. What ...
Views: 1111 - ***Myths About Grieving--Part 3 - by Submitted on Feb 17, 2009 from Sandy ClendenenAs we continue in this series of articles on the myths of grief I want to discuss the third myth, "Put on a happy face. You'll feel better." With all the recent emphasis on the Law of Attraction, there is an urgency within the culture to be happy. We attract what we think about, says the Law of ...
Views: 980 - ***Myths of Grief, 8 Part Series, Part 1 - by Submitted on Feb 14, 2009 from Sandy ClendenenSince grief is a difficult topic for most people, there is a tendency to descend into myths about the subject of grief. These myths have often been passed down from generation to generation. These myths or paradigms easily become the truth of our lives that we accept without questioning. In ...
Views: 1173 - ***Sadness or Depression - by Submitted on Mar 26, 2009 from John AOVOften when we grieve, we are uncertain about how to define our feelings. This can lead to confusion and frustration. Sadness and depression are often used in the same sentence to describe one’s feelings. The dictionary defines sad as…”feeling sorrow; unhappy…” The dictionary defines ...
Views: 989 - ***Selective Memory - by Submitted on Mar 26, 2009 from John AOVThe mind likes to push us from black to white, from either to or, from positive to negative. When we remember events or people, we tend to sort the memories into categories. We see life as either good or bad. We say this is a good memory and that is a bad memory. The mind seems to be trying to ...
Views: 1828 - ***Staying on Purpose - by Submitted on Mar 18, 2009 from Karen Mehringer, MAIn our modern day society, distractions are everywhere, vying for our attention, keeping us from what is truly important and our higher purpose. Lately, I have felt more and more overwhelmed by the amount of e-mail that comes through my in-box on a daily basis. By attending to all of this ...In ...
Views: 1994 - ***The Pain of Grief - by Submitted on Mar 26, 2009 from John AOVYou have lost someone very dear. Your heart is aching. In fact, it may feel like your heart is breaking. These painful emotional feelings often manifest as the physical sensation of tightness and heaviness in the area of your heart. Your shoulders may also ache. They may pull forward as if ...
Views: 2886 - ***Tips for Grievers, Surviving Valentine's Day - by Submitted on Feb 14, 2009 from Sandy ClendenenHow do you survive Valentine's Day when your special valentine is no longer around? 1) If you are feeling sad or depressed, be honest about it. In the past this may have been a special day for you and your loved one. But now you are alone. If you are sad, be being ...
Views: 1508 - ***What to do with Wedding Rings - by Submitted on Mar 26, 2009 from John AOVOne of the big questions which comes to mind when you lose your spouse is whether or not you wish to remove your rings. You may also question when is the appropriate time to remove your rings. And you may also hear advice from family and friends about how to handle these deeply personal ...
Views: 1074 - ***When a Child Dies: Grief Self-Quiz - by Submitted on Mar 29, 2009 from LB WishWhen a Child Dies: Grief Self-Quiz Parents expect their children to outlive them. When a child dies, the parents’ grief affects their lives forever. Take this quiz and learn the best ways for a professional woman to handle grief when she or a co-worker loses a child. Put an “X” next to the ...
Views: 1276 - 10 Reasons Why You Must Give Yourself Permission to Heal from Grief - by Submitted on Feb 26, 2009 from Maurice Turmel1) You will feel better knowing you are not alone with this experience of grief as a result of losing a loved one. Many individuals have traveled this path successfully and, those of us who study these processes, have been hard at work creating the tools and strategies necessary to help you ...
Views: 1907 - 11 Simple Techniques to Cope with Grief during the Holidays - by Submitted on Nov 25, 2013 from Joanne Harvey MSW, Pro EFT MasterDealing with the holidays while you are grieving for a loved one can be stressful and emotionally exhausting. For most of us the holiday season magnifies the absence of the person lost. You may feel that long-held traditions can never be the same or could be awkward. It can be sad shopping for ...
Views: 1292 - 3 Mindful Tips for Dealing with Grief - by Submitted on Aug 19, 2019 from Julie PotikerWhen we experience deep loss in life – whether from the death of a loved one or a “death” in some other area of our lives – grief is a natural response, and it looks different for everyone. From outpourings of sadness or anger, to feeling shut down and closed off, to the countless variations in ...
Views: 1500 - 3 Ways to Help Children through the Grieving Process - by Submitted on Feb 14, 2019 from Dixie SomersDealing with the death of a family member or friend can be difficult for adults. The grieving process can be even harder for children. Children may not grasp the finality of death as soon as someone dies. Their grieving process may not follow the same time frame or pattern as it does with ...
Views: 1054 - 4 Secrets to Accepting Your Own Mortality with Grace - by Submitted on Apr 22, 2015 from Anica OaksAccepting your own mortality with grace and dignity can be a difficult process. Many people are left with scant little time to accept their own mortality, and you must prepare as best you can for the inevitable. This article explains four methods that allow you to find peace when you know that ...
Views: 2516 - 4 Self-Care Steps After Suffering an Unexpected Loss - by Submitted on May 22, 2019 from Meghan BelnapIf you've recently suffered an unexpected loss, know that this isn't something to gloss over or take lightly. You'll need to be intentional about your self-care, and it will take time to fully heal emotionally. Consider the following ways to implement a proper self-care routine to ensure that ...
Views: 1029 - 4 Ways to Move Forward After a Family Death - by Submitted on Oct 18, 2017 from Eileen O'ShanassyDealing with the death of a loved one is one of the hardest things that most people will ever endure. Someone that you love has moved on and you have to deal with the fact that they are gone and the things that come with their loss. Funeral arrangements, estate settlements, and helping other ...
Views: 2421 - 5 Steps for Sending a Smile From Far Away To a Friend or Family Member Going Through Chemotherapy - by Submitted on Jan 06, 2014 from Allidah Hicks Bonnie KnutiWhen my friend was diagnosed with cancer and was facing radiation and chemotherapy, I wondered what I could I do when I lived 2,000 miles away. I couldn’t do any of the usual things to help. Normally, I might offer to drive her to chemotherapy and radiation sessions, take care of her kids, or ...
Views: 1899 - 5 Tips for Coping with the Death of a Loved One - by Submitted on Nov 14, 2017 from Dixie SomersThe death of a loved one can be a devastating event. Many people find that the loss undermines their ability to work, engage with others and participate in normal activities. The feelings that arise may be profoundly upsetting. That is why the process of grieving is so important. Grieving helps ...
Views: 2189 - 7 Steps For Coping With Loss - by Submitted on Oct 08, 2009 from Kimberley CohenIn one way or another we have all experienced some form of loss in our lives. It could be the passing away of a person or pet, losing a job and/or material possessions, a relationship or friendship ending, the loss of a body part, hair, eye sight or hearing etc,. No matter what type of ...
Views: 2240 - 9 Symptoms of Bereavement Stress - by Submitted on May 14, 2009 from Margo BastosLack of Sleep or Interrupted Sleep You lie awake for hours and are not able to fall asleep OR you wake up regularly during the night. Maybe you wake up in the early hours of the morning and are not able to go back to sleep. This leaves you feeling tired and listless for the rest of the ...
Views: 3475 - A Butterfly Brings My Mother Home - by Submitted on Oct 27, 2007 from Marilyn Barnicke BelleghemFeeling the sun-warmed cement on my bare feet, I stand on the front steps of my father's home. I watch as my husband drives the car carrying our children out of the drive and into the flow of cars. The longing to be going with them swells in my breast as they head to our home. But there are ...
Views: 1947 - A Fresh Journey Through Loss - by Submitted on Jan 09, 2008 from Elaine WilliamsThe day I lost my husband my heart felt ripped out, a feeling I had never experienced before. I felt clarity in the moment and confusion over where I was going, all at the same time. I wanted to cry at the injustice of a widow at 47 years of age. I had three boys and they each needed their ...
Views: 975 - A Friend Died Today: Looking For Deeper Meaning - by Submitted on Jul 17, 2012 from Suzanne E. Harrill, M. Ed., LPC"...when you fully understand that each day you awaken could be the last you have, you take the time that day to grow, to become more of who you really are, to reach out to other human beings." -- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Death The Final Stage of Growth I wrote the following piece after a ...
Views: 1995 - A Good Way to Remember Those We Love - by Submitted on Feb 12, 2010 from paul cloughToday is the 2nd anniversary of my mother's passing and who knows what has prompted me to write this, other than to pass on some thoughts (or maybe just some personal ramblings). There's a line in a song: '...you left me here, to remind me of you' and that to me is a comfort, as long as I ...
Views: 1521 - A Hug From The Other Side - by Submitted on Sep 19, 2008 from Karen AndersonI always say you never know who will come through during a session with your animals. I am constantly humbled and amazed at the accuracy of the messages that come through for loved ones who are open to their messages. At an expo I was attending in Chicago in February of 2008, a lovely lady ...
Views: 2002 - A Message From Beyond - by Submitted on Nov 01, 2008 from Sue FrederickIt’s 2 a.m., and I’m sound asleep when suddenly there’s a strange and very large man standing right beside my bed – about a foot away. He’s wearing jeans, a dark t-shirt, and an unbuttoned flannel plaid shirt. He’s not trying to scare me; he’s just ...
Views: 1236 - A Poetic Series - Grieving the Death of a Grown Child - "A Father's Hope" - by Submitted on Apr 10, 2014 from Ken Matthies“HeartSpun Talk from the Crucible of Experience”© From the life of Ken Matthies - Author, Poet, Real Life Storyteller Written a month and a half after my daughter died, the poem you'll read below was a last ditch effort to hang onto my spiritual faith before I descended in a deep spiral ...
Views: 1088 - A Poetic Series - Grieving the Death of a Grown Child - "Anniversary Memories" - by Submitted on Apr 10, 2014 from Ken Matthies“HeartSpun Talk from the Crucible of Experience”© From the life of Ken Matthies - Author, Poet, Real Life Storyteller This was a poem written in still dreaded anticipation of the third anniversary of her death due to arrive once again on the following day. It would in fact turn out to be a ...
Views: 1179 - A Poetic Series - Grieving the Death of a Grown Child - "I Choose It Now" - by Submitted on Apr 10, 2014 from Ken Matthies“HeartSpun Talk from the Crucible of Experience”© From the life of Ken Matthies - Author, Poet, Real Life Storyteller This was my poem of decision – written in the realization that it was finally time for the ‘rubber to hit the road’ of my future life in a meaningful way despite the fact ...
Views: 1147 - A Poetic Series - Grieving the Death of a Grown Child - "Reality" (A Daughter's Death) - by Submitted on Apr 10, 2014 from Ken Matthies“HeartSpun Talk from the Crucible of Experience”© From the life of Ken Matthies - Author, Poet, Real Life Storyteller This was a poem written in trembling anticipation of the second anniversary of her death due to arrive in its full force and fury the following day – a harsh truth about ...
Views: 1129 - A Sad Mother Asks God a Question - by Submitted on May 29, 2007 from Gloria WendroffDear God, I am trying to integrate Heavenletter, #697, What Does Sadness Teach You? It is so good, and I know I am in the verge of understanding it, but not quite getting it. I like the orchestra analogy and only hearing the low notes sometimes when the whole orchestra is playing. My ...
Views: 1572 - A Simple Act, An Enormous Impact - by Submitted on May 27, 2009 from Intent.com AuthorsI recently posted a column here about a line of cancer greeting cards that became controversial when a media analyst posited on the Today Show that such cards go too far. The analyst maintained that friends should know what to write and not have to depend on canned messages. I disagree; the ...
Views: 919 - After Death Communication: Do Some People Try To Contact Their Loved Ones To Avoid Facing Their Grief? - by Submitted on Aug 13, 2015 from Oliver JR CooperWhen some people lose a loved one, they may think that that’s the end of it and that it’s not possible for them to talk to them again. In this case, they will have to rely on their memories and the memories other people have. There are then going to be others to believe this is not the case, ...
Views: 1747 - All About Bereavement Grief - by Submitted on Oct 12, 2010 from Menno SpijkstraBereavement is defined as a state of sadness or loneliness. An individual is in a state of bereavement when that person experiences loss of another person. The loss could be due to relationship breakups, death, loss of pets, someone moving away forever, divorce for instance, loss of employment, ...
Views: 1024 - Anger: Can Trapped Grief Cause Someone To Have Anger Problems? - by Submitted on May 25, 2015 from Oliver JR CooperWhile there are some people who are able to express every emotion on the spectrum, there are others who are stuck on one end of the spectrum. When this happens, it is not going to be possible for someone to be a whole human being. This may mean that one is always ‘positive’, and that they ...
Views: 1935 - Another Aspect Of Grief And Loss - by Submitted on Oct 28, 2010 from Menno SpijkstraThere is always a reason why somebody grieves. We should not try to fight with our grief because it can lead to frustration and having a negative behavior. Grief and loss are a natural and practical process in our lives. However, dealing with grief and loss is not only practical but also ...
Views: 986 - Anticipating grief - by Submitted on Mar 14, 2007 from Cheryline LawsonAnticipating grief is never an easy thing. The thought that our loved one is going to die is not a consoling fact. Anticipatory grief is period during which a patient or family member expects to die. Anticipatory grief is quite similar to the after effects of losing a loved one. The emotions are ...
Views: 2245 - Art Heals: The Power of Art Therapy - by Submitted on Aug 05, 2007 from Erin Brazill“Art Heals: The Power of Art Therapy” During a girls’ group at a community mental health agency, a teenager paints tear drops on a plaster mask- after she recently witnessed a violent crime in her neighborhood. On a pediatric oncology unit, a 10 year-old Spanish-speaking boy draws a picture ...
Views: 1263 - As I Think Back on Life - by Submitted on Nov 09, 2010 from Dr. Donia Gonzales-CopelandAs I Think Back on Life As I think back I wish things had stayed the same. I wish you had never gotten sick. There is so much I wanted to say to you. But I remained silent. I should have spoken up but didn’t, I didn’t take sides, but I just did not speak. It’s funny but now I am left to ...
Views: 1279 - As Time Goes By...We Find Strength - by Submitted on Apr 20, 2009 from Judy DavisWhere has the time gone? I found myself pondering this question over and over these last few days, and couldn't help but notice the impact it was having on my mindset. As the anniversary of my fathers death approached, I became focused on the fact that time was whizzing by. I was "shocked" ...
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