Researching Grief

In order to deal with grief, I would use online search engines to search for articles regarding depression and loss. I would also talk to my doctor about counseling services or depression clinics that specialize in grief because research shows grief can lead to major depressive disorder. I would also search for nearby group therapy sessions so that I am able to share and listen to other people’s grief stories as well. Sharing and opening up to others about emotions is an important thing because it helps let out repressed emotions, and can often feel like letting go of a strain. Contrary to popular belief, repressed grief is also not as unhealthy as one may think. According to Lybi Ma’s article in Psychology Today, she says “In fact, avoiding grief sometimes helps recovery. George Bonanno, Ph.D. of Columbia University found that those who repressed grief were psychologically and physically healthier six and 14 months after their losses than others who grieved more.” Additionally, cases studies on the elderly show that grief can last much longer and have more profound consequences. Of course, this study does not explain the factor of whether or not the grieving and non-grieving had known the deceased as well as the non-grievers. There are many ways to deal with grief and recovery, and everybody deals with it differently.

Another thing to keep in mind as I research grief counselors is to acknowledge my pain and go to people I trust about my feelings, such as friends and family. Although they may not completely understand my emotions, their support will mean a lot to me, and they could help distract me. According to Edward Creagan’s article, “Spending some time alone is fine, but isolation isn’t a healthy way to deal with grief. A friend, a confidant, a spiritual leader- all can help you along the journey of healing.” I believe doctors and grief counselors will offer me the best help I could ask for because they would specialize in grief counseling, and that is why I would choose them. I believe that instead of opening up to a doctor or pediatrician, a counselor that specializes in grief would be able to offer their services to me because they are educated in helping treat and cure patients that are struggling with grief in their lives, so they would know how to approach the situation with a kind and sensitive manner that would allow me to open up and feel comfortable doing so.

References

Ma, Lybi. (2003, May 1). Web. Retrieved from: http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200303/good-grief-coping-after-loss

Creagan, Edward. (N.d.) Web. Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/grief/MY02337/NSECTIONGROUP=2