Grieving is a natural reaction to the loss of someone to whom you are attached, such as a relative or friend.   Serial losses can be quite difficult (e.g., losing more than one relationship at a time or losing a loved one while also getting fired, for example). 

Other life circumstances can also result in loss, such as a geographic move or a change in employement that results in a loss of a positive support network.

Sometimes the process of grieving a loss can become “stuck” or complicated and result in a number of signs that it is unresolved.  Unresolved grief and loss can also lead to depression.

Some signs of complicated grief are:

• having thoughts dominated by loss coupled with poor concentration
• tearful spells
• confusion about the future
• strong emotional resposes when losses are discussed
• lack of appetite, weight loss, and/or insomnia
• feelings of guilt that not enough was done for the lost significant other
• unreasonable belief that one has contributed ot the death of the significant other
• avoidance of talking about anything associated with the loss

What Can Be Done About Grief/Loss?

Psychotherapy for grief and loss can focus on:

• assisting in verbalizing the ”story” as it relates to the loss one or loss of support
• begin to verbalize feelings of anger or guilt in relation to the loss and assist in understanding the sources for such feelings
• identify feelings of regreat associated with the relationship of the lost loved one
• assistance in refocusing life toward the here-and-now and positive future