Amid the grief process, people move through various emotions and stages that are unique to each loss. However, compassion fatigue sometimes overlays with cumulative grief, and this can present unique challenges throughout your healing journey. If you are struggling, it's important to remember that you're not alone. Seeking help during this time can provide you with reassurance and safety during...[ read more ]
Nostalgia and grief often go hand-in-hand, as both can entail a sentimental longing over a significant loss. Nostalgia is a specific social emotion that refers to experiencing affection for the past. Stronger nostalgia often coincides with a desire to relive or reconnect to those older experiences. When it comes to grief, nostalgia can sometimes act as a source of comfort....[ read more ]
Preparing a will is one of the most beneficial things you can do to keep your affairs in order and ensure that your assets are handled the way you desire. However, a recent study found that 67% of Americans have no estate plan intact. As a general rule, any adult should have a will. This applies even if you don't...[ read more ]
It's estimated that 60% of Americans have at least one chronic disease, including heart disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes. Yet, despite millions of people experiencing chronic diseases, many feel guilty or ashamed about their symptoms. If this is you, you might worry about being a burden to your loved ones. You may also feel guilty that you can't participate...[ read more ]
Everyone wants to have good friends. We all desire meaningful connections with people who care about us. But have you spent any time reflecting on the kind of friend that you are? A good friend, in many ways, strives to be a good person in their relationships. That means that you treat people well and respect them for who they...[ read more ]
Grief is complicated, tender, and moves without a timeline or instruction manual. As you muck through the difficult emotions, you'll also bear witness to some invaluable lessons about life. One thing is for sure- nobody is the same person once they experience loss. Here are some of the vital lessons grief can teach you: Grief Teaches Us A Sense of...[ read more ]
Despite the cliched platitudes about living life with no regrets, reality proves to be much different. It's estimated that we make at least 35,000 decisions a day- with so many options available, regret is unavoidable. The good news is that regret isn't a bad or negative feeling. It's a natural reaction everyone experiences. While regret feels uncomfortable, you can learn...[ read more ]
Grief and dissociation can sometimes go hand-in-hand, particularly if your grief is recent or you have an unresolved past trauma related to loss, anxiety, or abandonment. Dissociation refers to experiences of disconnection from your body, feelings, thoughts, or external surroundings. Dissociation itself is not bad or wrong, but it can cause distress and impact your grief process. Regardless of your...[ read more ]
Resilience is one of the most admirable traits a person can have. Resilience is associated with flexibility, grit, and toughness. People who exude resilience can handle the ups and downs of life and manage their stress effectively. It may, therefore, seem paradoxical that resilience often starts with vulnerability, the state of deliberately opening yourself up to harm and threat. If...[ read more ]
Grief, with its profound and varied impact, can represent a tumultuous journey among even the closest couples. It can affect communication, safety, intimacy, and more. When one or both partners are coping with loss, the dynamics and normal equilibrium within the marriage can change in uncomfortable ways. At times, however, the grieving process may also bring you and your spouse...[ read more ]