Understanding Grief
Answers to Your Questions
Grief
Grief services offered in Doylestown and King Of Prussia, PA
Grief Can Be Overwhelming
Getting Back to Living Your Life
Grief can be all-consuming. It can seep into every area of your life. Your sleep, appetite, career, exercise, and relationships can all be affected by loss and grief. One can feel a heaviness and a sense that things will never feel secure or safe again. It is hard to imagine in the depths of grief that this is a process, and there will be a time when life seems light and simple again. With the help of P.S. Psychiatry, ordinary life and the simple joys in our days slowly return as time passes and you move through the grief.
Coping with Loss and Grief
Signs & Symptoms of Grief
Grief is usually filled with more questions than answers. We understand that you’re dealing with enough right now and don’t need the added stress of researching your symptoms. To help simplify the process for you, below is a list of common signs and symptoms of grief. If you feel like you can relate to some of these, reach out to us so we can help.
Depression: Grief can create an intense feeling of sadness and heaviness, often feeling like they’re experiencing an episode of depression.
Anxiety: Feeling like your mind is racing or being in a frequent state of intense panic about the future.
Anger: Experiencing a strong sense of anger is a common symptom of grief.
Disbelief: For some time after experiencing a loss a feeling of disbelief that this loss occurred can be present
Uncertainty/Fear: Loss can trigger a feeling of not knowing what is going to happen, and we begin to question if we have control over anything.
Guilt: Guilt is a complicated emotion with grief. Feeling if we just did things differently, perhaps the outcome would be different.
We're Here to Help
Treatment Options
We understand that Grief can feel exhausting and never ending. You've probably already tried things to help yourself, but below are a few things that can help you move through your loss.
Medication: A prescription from your P.S. Psychiatry provider can help reduce some of the symptoms of Grief.
Therapy: Talking with a therapist is a great place to process your grief and learn strategies to cope with your feelings.
Q
Why does my grief feel like depression?
Grief can feel heavy and dark. Depression is one of the 5 Stages of Grief. Individuals who are grieving can feel a profound sense of sadness and loss, resulting in depression. It is important to be aware of what you are feeling. If the feeling becomes overwhelming and is affecting your daily functioning or ability to take care of yourself, it is time to reach out to your doctor or a psychiatrist for medication to help with those symptoms.
Q
Is there medication for grief?
The medication for grief is for the symptoms that occur as a result of grief. You may experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, mania, insomnia, or loss of appetite. Those symptoms can be treated with medication.
Q
I'm afraid if I go out in public, I’ll cry. This has kept me from leaving home. What should I do?
Grief can give the feeling that once you begin to cry, you will never stop crying. You may also be fearful that something will trigger you and make you start to cry. While there is no way of knowing when you will be triggered, being around people you love who will understand and support you can help.
Q
I am grieving a loss, and I feel manic. Is this normal?
Many symptoms can accompany grief. Depression, Mania, Anxiety, Agoraphobia, changes in eating and sleeping habits, pulling away from relationships, and anger. Allowing yourself to work through these many feelings and reaching out for support for medication can be helpful.
Q
Is it normal to make big changes in things that remind me of the person I lost to make the grief go away?
The urge to make changes, big and small, in your environment when you are grieving is very common. Even though you may want to, experts recommend individuals who are grieving not make any significant changes in their lives during the first year.
Q
What are the five stages of grief?
The five stages of grief are Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. These stages may not happen in the order they are listed and you may experience each stage multiple times. It is important to be patient and kind to yourself during this very difficult time.
Q
My friends are tired of me complaining about my grief. What should I do?
Everyone handles grief differently and some people are more comfortable around it than others. While you’re going through your own process, it is important to recognize your own needs and surround yourself with people that can support you.
Q
Will my life ever feel normal again after grief?
It is very common to wonder if you will ever return to the enjoyment of life before the loss. Over time and after working through the grief, you should be able to enjoy your life again. Some clients have reported not wanting to feel better as it feels they will forget their loved one who passed away. They may feel guilty living a full life again as if they are hurting the person who passed away. Holding onto grief for that reason can extend the grief. While there is no timeline for grieving, if you feel like you’d like to talk with a professional about your symptoms, P.S. Psychiatry is here to help.
Say Hello to P.S. Psychiatry
We're Here to Help
When you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to listen. Tap the button below to get in touch with P.S. Psychiatry and schedule your appointment.