When to seek professional help if you are grieving the loss of a loved one

The death of a loved one can certainly be a difficult life event to go through, making one grieve, and be filled with a profound sense of sorrow.

When struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one, an experienced therapist or mental health professional can help you navigate through your emotions and come out stronger.

These are the signs telling you to seek help when grieving the loss of a loved one

You may consider getting help if you experience the following:

1. Sleep troubles: Thoughts towards the memory of a loved one are bound to keep you awake at night. However, you should be able to start sleeping again as per your bodily needs. In case you are unable to sleep at night and find yourself dozing off during the day, or at odd hours, consider seeking help from a professional.

2. Loss of appetite: Death of a loved one is followed by prolonged spells of hopelessness, and guilt. It is nearly impossible to get yourself to follow a normal routine and go about having your meals. Appetite shrinks and nearly vanishes, leading to accelerated weight loss due to lack of nutrition, and sufficient calories being consumed. If you notice unnatural weight loss, then reach out to a therapist for help.

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3. Prolonged sense of grief and depression: It is understandable to be overcome by emotion when coping with the death of a loved one. However, if someone is crying uncontrollably, and is depressed for months together, then that is a definite alarm bell. In some cases, people may also develop self-harm or suicidal thoughts, as they can’t go on living without the companionship of their loved one. In such times, it is critical to one’s very survival to reach out for medical assistance.

4. Feeling and angry and losing focus: Working, or spending time with family, may take a toll as the sense of loss can make a person angry and confused. If someone is filled with rage after the loss of a loved one, and is finding it difficult to focus on their life, then it is a sign for that person to acknowledge the issue and take corrective measures.

5. Losing one’s sense of self: Some people may lose their sense of identity after a loved one passes away. This is especially true when the loved one happens to be a romantic partner or spouse. It is also common to be scared, and feel resentment against others, particularly when the death is caused by a sudden accident or illness. If someone is losing control over their functionality, and purpose, then it is the right time to opt for grief counselling.

Seeking help is important to reduce the pain of grief over time. And while, a sense of loss may never be replaced after a loved one departs, with some help, a person in grief can at least have a shot at normalcy and continuity.