Understanding and Managing Grief, September 17 - September 23, 2023

Best selections from Grief Healing's X stream this week:

People bereaved during the first two waves of the Covid pandemic are three times more likely to have prolonged grief disorder (PGD), which can leave them lonely and in intense emotional pain, research from Cardiff and Bristol universities has revealed. The disorder, also known as complicated grief, can result in persistent longing for the deceased, intense emotional pain including guilt and denial, and trouble engaging with friends and planning for the future, all of which goes on for longer than six months. Prolonged grief disorder more common in Covid lockdown bereaved, study finds  « The Guardian

Many tools are available to help people work through grief. Therapy, EMDR, and medication can be helpful. Support groups offer an opportunity to vent pain and learn from others . . . What follows is my personal process in coping with grief; yours may be different, but perhaps you’ll find something helpful here. Grief 101: The Resources That Helped Me Through « Psychology Today

If you’re feeling guilty, ashamed, or regretful in the aftermath of the death of someone loved, the first thing I want to do is assure you that all your emotions are normal. While these feelings are painful, they are common and natural. There is nothing wrong with you. In fact, guilty feelings can mean that you have a developed sense of right and wrong, that you care about others and your relationships with them, and that you strive to be a better person. The second thing I want to do is promise you that you can find relief from these hurtful feelings. Understanding the Guilt of Grief « AfterTalk

"Anticipatory grief is the grief felt before an impending loss, typically someone dying," says registered member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), counsellor Lisa Spitz. However, Spitz explains that this 'impending loss' can also apply to non-death related situations, like divorce, or the scheduled removal of a limb or breast due to health reasons. The defining factor is that it is a big loss of some sort, that you anticipate will happen and that will drastically change your life. What is anticipatory grief? Here are the signs and how to cope « Cosmopolitan

Losing a parent is undoubtedly one of the most heartbreaking experiences one can go through, regardless of age. However, the pain and grief can be particularly intense when it occurs during your adult years when you are already navigating the complexities of life. In this compassionate guide to healing, psychologist Dr. Cynthia Shaw will explore the profound impact of losing parents as an adult orphan and offer practical strategies to help cope with the unique challenges that arise in this stage of life. Now What? 6 Ways To Cope With Grief As An Adult Orphan « Crunchy Tales

"I am searching for an online support group for people and/or their loved ones who have been diagnosed with cancer. Three months ago, my husband (54 years old) felt a mass in the left side of his abdomen. Through several different physician referrals it was determined that he had massive splenomegaly. His spleen was removed last month. The pathology report stated he has CLL ~ Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia." Anticipatory Grief: Coping With A Cancer Diagnosis « Grief Healing

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