Grieving the loss of a loved one is a heavy process that doesn’t end at the funeral. We build intense and deep connections with people, and it’s hard to untangle the hurt that weighs on us when they’re no longer there. Many feel lost and confused about their next step and possibly even become resentful or hostile to the loved ones around them because they can’t express themselves correctly. There’s no perfect way to grieve, and it’s good to feel whatever you’re feeling: but you shouldn’t have to go through it alone. Grief counselors are professionals who know how to help you sift through the baggage that comes with loss and grief.
There are tons of priceless ways they can help piece a life back together: here’s how they help.
Someone To Talk It Out With
Many people don’t have someone they can talk out grief with. In the modern world, people avoid being too publicly emotional or showing their hand. The problem with this is it perpetuates a need to grieve quietly and alone- even though our species has been vocal about grief since the beginning of history. We need grief because it’s like a scab over an open scrape or wound- it protects us and gives us time to heal. A counselor will create a space for you to go through and catalog your emotions as loudly as you need.
Is a Critical Eye When Needed
Not every grieving style is healthy. Many turn to alcohol, narcotics, or other unhealthy behaviors to dull the pain. If we aren’t called out on this, we may let this spiral take us lower. If the average person would instead Google ‘grief counseling near me‘ instead of falling into this depressive spiral, they could have a better chance of surviving this. Grief can feel like a physical wound, pulling us down to our knees and aching in our chest, so it only makes sense to go to a professional who can help with those symptoms and aim at helping with what caused them.
Doesn’t Rush You Or Judge
Many people who aren’t counselors may get annoyed with your grief or decide that they’re over your mourning period. There’s no set time that anyone should be done mourning, so, unfortunately, that makes many mourners feel left out and like they have to bury their grief and hide it. A good counselor won’t allow you to bury that grief unless you want to. They’ll talk you through it and figure out what works best for you while listening as you heal.
Helps You Reach Clarity
Although some people never stop mourning those they’ve lost, a good counselor will give you the coping mechanisms you need to make it easier. These professionals will work with you as long as you need to help figure out what’s best for you. You deserve to be able to live your life as comfortably as possible, and that doesn’t mean you should have to forget about those you love. Instead, a counselor’s primary goal is to give you the tools to enjoy a life that isn’t as impeded by grief.
