When a friend loses a loved one, one of the best ways for us to show love and empathy to them is to simply be there.
However, helping others manage their feelings of grief and loss can be difficult, especially when we don’t have the clinical and professional means to do so. This is where proper bereavement counseling comes in.
And yet, suggesting that your grieving friend turns to bereavement counseling can be tricky. To convince your friend to seek out professional counseling, it will be helpful for you to know a bit more about this type of counseling yourself.
Some of the common questions and helpful answers on grief counseling are outlined below:
What is Bereavement Counseling?
Bereavement refers to the period of coping following a loved one’s death. Since death is irreversible and permanent, it can be difficult for the one left behind to fully adjust to life after loss. The mourner may also experience a range of overwhelming emotions such as guilt, hopelessness, and even numbness.
Bereavement counseling aims to provide support at this most difficult time. Counseling involves talking through our feelings in the hopes of understanding our grief and finding ways to move forward. The more we talk about our sadness and pain, the easier it will be to bear the burden we carry. And when we talk to someone who can help process our emotions, we open ourselves to more avenues for healing.
Does My Grief Automatically Translate to Depression?
No. Grief is a phase that all of us go through when we experience some kind of loss. Depression, on the other hand, is a mental health disorder that can worsen feelings of grief. When left unchecked, depression can lead to feelings of worthlessness, social withdrawal, and the inability to carry out everyday tasks.
Is Seeking Bereavement Counseling a Sign of Weakness?
Contrary to the common yet flawed notion that people who seek help are weak, submitting one’s self to bereavement counseling is actually a sign of strength. It is important to remind our grieving friends that by seeking and finding help they are acknowledging their vulnerabilities and finding ways to overcome them. Bereavement counseling, moreover, comes with many benefits, some of which are:
- Allowing us to understand the process of mourning.
- Helping us distinguish depression from grief.
- Permitting us to examine certain areas that may impede healing.
- Helping us adjust to life after loss.
Letting Your Friend Know that It’s Okay to Seek Help
Losing someone we love and knowing that they are never coming back is one of the hardest things to accept.
When we grieve, we often feel more than just overwhelming sadness. Most of the time, we feel guilt, loneliness, and regret as well. If your friend is going through this most difficult time, it’s crucial for you to know when to be there and when it’s time to seek professional bereavement counseling help. To let your friend know that you care, you can give them the perfect memorial gift. If you’re looking for remembrance ornaments that will be treasured for years to come, check out our offerings at The Comfort Company.