GRIEF

The Definition

Simply defined, grief is the normal and natural reaction to significant emotional loss of any kind. While we never compare losses, any list would include death and divorce as obvious painful losses. Our list also includes many others; retirement, moving, pet loss, financial and health issues, etc.

The range of emotions associated with grief is as varied as there are people and personalities. There is no list of feelings that would adequately describe one person's emotions, much less an entire society.

Grief is natural and unique. As every relationship is unique, so are the feelings and thoughts of each person will have about the relationship that has been altered by death, divorce, or for other reasons.

THE PROBLEM

While grief is normal and natural, most of the information passed on within our society about dealing with grief is not normal, natural, or helpful. Grief is the emotional response to loss, but most of the information we have learned about dealing with loss is intellectual.

The majority of incorrect ideas about dealing with loss can be summed up in six myths which are so common that nearly everyone recognizes them. Most people have never questioned whether or not they are valid. The misinformation is best described in the following.

SIX MYTHS

Time Heals All Wounds
Grieve Alone
Be Strong
Don't Feel Bad
Replace the Loss
Keep Busy

Just looking at the myth that "time heals" creates the idea that a person just has to wait and they will feel better. We have known people who had waited 10, 20, 30, and 40 years, and still didn't feel better. And, we know that they would tell you that not only had time not healed them, but that it had also compounded the pain. The other five myths carry equally unhelpful messages.

THE SOLUTION

Recovery from loss is accomplished by discovering and completing all of the undelivered communications that accrue in relationships. We are all advised to "Let Go," and "Move on" after losses of all kinds. Most of us would do that if we knew how.

Completion of pain caused by loss is what allows us to let go and move on. It is almost impossible to move on without first taking a series of actions that lead to completion. Before taking the actions to complete, it is important to look at and often dismiss some of the ideas or myths that we have tried to use with loss, but which are not working.

All sessions will be held in the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House located at 1959 State Hwy 94 West in Murray. The hospice House is located directly across from Dollar General on Hwy 94 West.

You need not wait until a scheduled Grief Counseling Session. If you feel the need, you may contact any Chaplains Lambert or Cary, or Ms. Hoover, whose numbers are listed, at any time. Grief is real, and so is the help you can receive with the trained counselors who serve our community.