Coping with the Loss of a Loved One

Category 2

May 22

When we lose someone close to us it can feel so difficult to manage. Especially when that person was such a staple in the family or a cherished friend, and I speak to that with both personal and professional experience. I lost my father when I was young and still to this day find myself becoming emotional over the loss, especially when I realize he is not physically here during life’s milestones. And in dealing with these un-relinquished moments I rely on what has worked for me and so many others who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

Here are 5 simple, effective tips to cope with the loss of a loved one:

1. Talk about your loved one with others grieving the loss as well. Talk about the loss with family, friends, and others grieving the loss. You can ask about their favorite memories and to share their favorite pictures of your loved one. You may hear a new story or see a new photo you had never heard/seen before.

2. Allow your body and mind to experience the full range of emotions associated with the loss. Recognizing and acknowledging emotions that range from sadness to anger, etc. can allow you to move forward in grieving the loss.

3. Write in a journal. It can be helpful to write your thoughts and feelings down for anything you are going through. When it comes to processing the loss of a loved one the process can be difficult. Writing down your thoughts and feelings as they relate to situations in your life can help you gain understanding and control of your thoughts and feelings.

4. Seek professional help. Know that there are trained professionals that can offer support through the difficulty of losing a loved one, such as bereavement counselors. In addition, support groups consisting of others who are dealing with the grief of a loved one can also be very beneficial.

5. There is no “right” amount of time to grieve the loss of your loved on. Be gentle with yourself through this process and remember that this process is personal to you. The goal is not to get over the loss but to learn how to cope with the grief. Everyone grieves on different timelines and there is no right or wrong length of time to grieve. Grieving is a process.

Grief has also been known to morph into something more at times, such as depression and anxiety. Grief and depression share many of the same symptoms. Both share the trait of extreme sadness. Grief is set apart from depression in that when grieving, you are able to feel a range of emotions, including happiness and love when with others or thinking of the loved one that has passed. Depression is different in that you may experience symptoms of hopelessness, extreme sadness, the inability to feel happiness, and some experience suicidal ideation.

Shortly after my father had passed, I found myself refusing to turn off my phone for fear I may miss a phone call about someone else I cared about passing away and worrying anytime a loved one would go to the doctor. My grief had shifted into anxiety. This happens when a person finds themselves in a similar position. The anxiety can range from mild to severe. You may experience the same worry I have, panic symptoms, irritability, or restlessness.

If you notice your grief change to anxiety or depression there are ways to cope. Please reach out to a therapist near you or you are welcome to check my availability here.

Rachel Aredia, LCPC, NCC

Thank you for coming to get to know me! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, practicing in Chicago, Illinois. I have a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Sociology and Philosophy from Southern Illinois University and obtained my Master’s in Clinical Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

I have 10+ years experience working in the mental health field, with experience holding a variety of different titles and helping hundreds of clients in a variety of therapeutic settings. I have a special interest in working with clients who experience anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and related disorders. I have received specialized training in LGBTQ Affirmative Therapy as well as mindfulness-based treatment therapy, and motivational interviewing. In addition, I have obtained advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and am a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP).

Focus & Approach

During my journey in the mental health field (both personally and professionally), I have learned that the biggest thing for my clients is fostering a judgement-free space where one can be authentic and feel genuinely heard.

I am in a great place of privilege to be able to help people navigate the most challenging and stressful times of their lives. I strongly believe the quality of the therapeutic relationship plays a significant role in an individual’s healing process, and therefore my goal is to develop and maintain a safe, open, and trusting dynamic with each client that I work with by humanizing the process. I believe everyone should have a therapist, myself included. I also understand that I will not meet everyone’s needs all of the time and when that happens, I am happy to make referrals to therapists that would better fit your needs as the client – therapist relationship is so important for your treatment.

My approach has been described as engaging, empathic, direct, warm and non-judgmental. I have been known to use humor in my sessions to promote comfort and humanize the process of therapy. I strive to create a space where you can be your authentic self and break down any barriers you may have to leave you feeling empowered and at ease. I encourage positive change in a supportive, compassionate manner while simultaneously offering at times, blunt feedback with empathy and humor.

I hold special interest in working with clients who may have experienced difficult therapeutic relationships in the past. Perhaps you or a loved one engaged in therapy with a therapist who did not fit your needs and left a “bad taste” of therapy. My hope is to engage these clients and assist them in finding a better fit for the therapeutic relationship as I believe therapy is so important.

Personal Note

When not in therapy, I have been known to enjoy Cubs games, enjoy spending time with my dog, and enjoying true crime documentaries.

I have also engaged in therapy as a client and understand the value of the relationship of the client and therapist. I also understand that sometimes, we just need someone to simply talk to.

My Statement on the BLM movement

I stand in support of the Black community in solidarity against racism and injustice. I am committed to learning how I can work together with my clients and community toward a future of equality. My practice is open to everyone as this is a judgment free zone. I look forward to the continued conversations and opportunities to not only discuss the Black Lives Matter movement and the current state of racial relations in America, but to do my part to raise awareness of systemic racism and to help dismantle that system, wherever possible.

https://www.inspirewithintherapy.com