The Many Faces of Grief

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If you are human you have experienced some form of grief during this life time.  Whether it was the loss of a loved one, pet or your most prized possession.  Grief is experienced in many different ways and each individual's way of grieving will vary.  During times of grief some may cry and some may not.  Again different people experience grief in various ways.  Some may experience numbness to their loss.  According to Elisabeth Kubler Ross, author of "On Death and Dying", there are five stages of grief which include denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.  This sequence of stages comes in no specific order and each could be experienced at different times.  Her hypothesis was that a person could experience all of these symptoms and some may not.  Moreover the experience of grief could be as unique as that person.  It is so important that when one is experiencing grief that support from family and friends are available.  If you are grieving over a loss be sure to seek out support.  If you observe that a family member or friend is grieving be supportive.  Locate a local support group to attend.  Most of all seek out counseling if needed.  Don't isolate yourself from life and fall into a deep depression.  Find ways to help you heal through your loss.
Chikeitha Owens, LPC

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