Change, Loss, and Grief
From time to time, the world has a way of throwing us a curveball. Loss of a loved one, or health, relationship, economic, employment, political, social, or other changes (even positive changes) that are beyond our control can throw us for a loop. We may have an expectation that things will carry on as they have in the past, only to see that we can’t count on that anymore.
The loss of someone or something that we counted on, loved, cherished in our daily life, and the end of the future that we imagined - how can we accept and perhaps make sense of these events? How will we move through grief, sadness, anger, and other normal and appropriate emotions brought on by loss? How will we pick ourselves up and go on?
Significant change of any sort may require that we adjust to new realities, adapt to a new environment, and come to grips with uncertainty. This can be difficult to do.
Change is Inevitable
Change and loss are an inevitable part of this human life we’re all living. Loss can take many forms - the death of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, a serious health issue, loss of a career, or a significant financial setback.
A variety of emotions can come as part of the grieving process - grief, regret, confusion, uncertainty, fear and anxiety, to name a few. It can be helpful to acknowledge and allow yourself to experience and process the normal emotions that come with grief.
In cases of significant change, it can be very helpful to work with a therapist to find a new way forward that reflects new realities, and is meaningful and rewarding.
We can work together to understand and make sense of the significant loss or changes you are facing, We can look at emotions and feelings related to your experience of change, and move toward acceptance.
Change - even change for the better - can be stressful and challenging. It may require us to look closely at who you are and how you live. Your expectations and way of being in the world may need to shift in the face of new realities.
Frequently, unexpected changes involve both loss and new opportunity (although at times the opportunity is hard to discern). We can explore and experiment with new choices that may be more appropriate, given new circumstances.
On top of that, change can bring to our full attention the fact that the future is not guaranteed. We can work toward improved personal awareness, strength, and response-ability in the face of the unexpected.