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The death of a loved one presents a heart-rending situation that is
difficult for survivors to endure. It not only creates an
emotionally painful void in the life of a survivor but may also bring
about overwhelming changes such as financial concerns, worries about
living arrangements, interrupted patterns of social activity, spiritual
concerns and questions, energy and appetite loss, as well as sleep
disturbance and difficulty concentrating. Occasionally, some may
confuse these symptoms with clinical depression. Although the
symptoms may appear similar, grief is a normal reaction to a loss and
with support from friends and family as well as the spiritual community,
people can usually show signs of improvement in two to three
months. Sadly, however, such support is not always available and
without it grief-stricken individuals may find themselves terribly alone
and isolated.
Additionally, there may be a particularly shocking or disturbing set of
circumstances that complicates the process. For example, losing a
loved one through murder or loss due to being killed by a drunken driver
or traffic offender may confront a family. Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome or the sudden unexpected death of a child or young person may
cause feelings of pronounced bereavement for parents.
In such times, people may desire the help of a professionally trained
counselor to assist them in coping with their loss and avoiding a
decline into depression or to identify significant symptoms of clinical
depression that need treatment. It is most important that those
who are affected by death and loss are not left with inadequate
support. Professional counseling can provide clients the
opportunity to strengthen their supportive network as well as to gain
valuable knowledge about resources available to them. This can be
done while the counselor assists the client in maintaining sufficient
ego strength to endure and to heal.
Steven L. Neff has over 20
years' experience providing counseling and supportive services to those
experiencing grief and loss. [View
qualifications]
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