Center for Counseling & Mental Health Grief and loss

Sustaining a loss has a huge emotional impact. In additional to grieving who or what has been lost, you may experience a disruption in your beliefs, values and identity.  The effects of loss often go on long after mourning rituals are over, leaving you wishing for additional support just when you’re expected to “get back to normal.”  Grief is not a disease or disorder; it is a normal emotional response that must run its course.  Sometimes the emotions and memories that arise are painful, uncomfortable or unpredictable, and it can be challenging to allow yourself to go through them.  Finding people you can talk to, or sometimes just be with, can help with healing.  Unfortunately, you may find that people are often uncomfortable or unsure of how to talk about grief and loss.  If you feel you need more support than your friends and family can offer, you may benefit from attending a support group or speaking with a counselor or spiritual advisor.