At some point in each of our lives, we will all experience feelings of grief. Emotional suffering is a painful process. Loss of a situation, such as a breakup, can also constitute as grief. Each individual will handle these internal thoughts and feelings differently. However, there are myths and misconceptions about what the experience of grief entails, which this list covers. If you or a loved one is going through a grieving period, get in touch with family counseling Westchester NY services to get professional help. Nobody should have to go through grief alone.
Myth #1: Grief and mourning mean the same thing.
It’s incorrect to use the words grief and mourning interchangeably because there’s an important distinction between them. ‘Grief’ is something we experience internally. It is our thoughts and emotions. ‘Mourning,’ however, is taking the grief and expressing it externally. Mourning occurs in the presence of loved ones who are there to support us.
Myth #2: Grief will eventually end.
Unfortunately, grief is something that will last forever. This doesn’t mean, though, that we will experience grief to the same degree as when it first started. But when we lose something or someone that we loved deeply, that loss will always be with us in some way. Over time, grief will become more tolerable and more manageable. But it’s something that will always be a part of our internal selves. Don’t listen to people who tell you that you should reach an endpoint of your grief. There is no right time for it to end.
Myth #3: Ignoring the pain will make it go away faster.
Being in denial or trying to ignore your pain will just exacerbate your emotions in the long run. For true healing to begin, you must consciously face your grief. Actively dealing with the pain from grief is a necessary step to take.
Myth #4: If you don’t show tears, it means you’re not sad.
This myth couldn’t be further from the truth. Although crying is a normal response to sadness, it isn’t the only one. Everyone expresses sadness in their own way. There is no right or wrong way to deal with grief and sadness. Someone who doesn’t cry doesn’t mean they don’t feel pain as deeply as someone who does. It is completely acceptable to have different forms of expressing sadness.
Myth #5: The goal of grief is to move on with your life.
Just like we mentioned in myth #2, we will always still feel connected to our loved one who passed away. Death doesn’t mean that we will forget. A close relationship with the person who died will continue throughout our lifetime, even if just in our thoughts. It’s important to feel like we are still in touch with our loved one who is no longer with us.
As time passes, the emotions you feel from grief should become less intense. You must start to accept the loss and try to move forward. Although this doesn’t mean you should forget, you should find ways to deal with the grieving process in healthy ways. Whatever your grief experience, be patient with yourself and allow the process to happen naturally. Family counseling Westchester NY services can help you deal with the grieving process. Call one of our licensed therapists at the Counseling Center today at (914) 793-3388.
