It's no secret that the holiday season is riddled with intense expectations and pressure. There are so many societal messages about how we should enjoy the most "wonderful time of the year." But if your current life circumstances fall outside of these optimal parameters, you may feel overwhelmed, depressed, or lonely. This year, whether you're spending the holidays alone due...[ read more ]
Coping with a colleague's death can be logistically and emotionally difficult. While other types of losses, such as the death of a spouse, friend, or family member, are often talked openly about, the complex experience of losing a coworker isn't always as readily named. That said, the average full-time employee works just about 37 hours per week- there's a good...[ read more ]
All emotions are valid during grief. In a society that often misunderstands grief and loss, this can't be emphasized enough. As you move through various feelings, both crying and not crying are valid responses. That said, it can sometimes feel unnerving to not be able to cry during a particularly tenuous time. Maybe you resonate with feeling sad or scared,...[ read more ]
Every loss we face in life comes with its unique grieving process, and the death of a best friend can trigger intense feelings of sadness, anger, fear, confusion, and more. Unlike the death of spouses or core other family members, sometimes people unintentionally overlook the significance of a friend's death. However, this experience can feel just as shocking or gutting...[ read more ]
Grief dreams are a typical part of any grieving process, but they can feel uncomfortable, sad, and even scary. They may happen just after the loss. However, they sometimes occur several months or years after the death of a loved one. The specific type or frequency of grief dreams varies from person to person. Some only have one grief dream,...[ read more ]
Life can deal us such a heavy hand sometimes. You may feel overwhelmed by the weight of the world. You might worry that things in your personal life will never get better. You may move around with this perpetual sense of dread or angst. Heaviness is an inherent part of life, and there's nothing wrong with feeling the gravity of...[ read more ]
Does it seem like one bad thing keeps having one after another? Have you experienced multiple losses in quick succession? Are you perpetually angry, sad, or tired- and do these feelings trigger an overarching sense of stuckness? Bereavement overload- also known as grief overload- can happen after enduring several losses. The "overload" effect may compromise your physical and emotional well-being....[ read more ]
It’s often said that grief comes in waves. This speaks to the fluctuating feelings and thoughts that accompany a significant loss. You may not feel a persistent sense of sadness or anger, but certain experiences may trigger those emotions. It’s also common for people to have both good days and bad days. In some moments, the grief may not seem...[ read more ]
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 ]