Grief has a profound effect emotionally, mentally, and physically. It is disorienting and perplexing, and people are often caught off guard by the enormity of the experience. Grief causes intense and overwhelming emotions, derails concentrations and thinking, and can include physical symptoms such as sleep disruptions, changes in appetite, and lowered immunity to illness, all of which contribute to one’s emotional distress.
Grief also affects the relationships between couples and family members as each person copes with the grieving process in a different way and at a different pace. The loss of a loved one or something of value can feel so disorienting and overwhelming that you may wonder what is happening to you. Meeting with a professional can help you learn what sorts of things to expect during the grieving process and discover how to grieve in healthy ways.