Grief is experienced as a normal emotional state that arises when someone or something of great importance to the individual is lost irreversibly (Fonseca, 2020). Although Bonomi (2012) expresses that the term grief is commonly associated with the loss caused by the death of a loved one, it is relevant to note that this process also unfolds in other circumstances of loss, such as distancing from a family member or friend, the death of a pet, or socio-economic changes that arise with retirement, among others.
In short, grief represents a normal adaptive response to significant changes in life that involve the loss of an object or situation with which there is a strong emotional bond (Bonomi, 2012). In line with Bonomi (2012), this process triggers both psychological and physical symptoms, such as lack of energy, decreased appetite, sleep disorders, feelings of anger, confusion, depression, guilt, abandonment, uncontrollable crying, and isolation behaviors, among others.
Why is Grief Important?
Even though people may not be aware, they are prepared to face various losses constantly, as life unfolds as a continuous succession of small disagreements (Ortiz, n.d.). However, this process is of utmost importance and must be fully experienced, as its omission hinders complete recovery (Karawi, 2019). Many people are at a loss on how to cope with grief. In fact, many experience feelings of guilt when confronted with intense sadness, doubting the validity of their suffering as a sufficient reason to pause and take care of themselves. Nevertheless, according to Karawi (2019), the final acceptance of the loss is intrinsically linked to the amount of psychological energy invested in what has been lost, for example: what was the relationship like with this person who is no longer here? or how much affection did one have for the house that was sold?
In the grieving process, the goal is to recover this psychological energy in a healthy way (Fonseca, 2020). However, denying the burden of assimilating the loss or improperly managing the pain can leave deep scars (Porporatto, n.d.). Therefore, in line with Fonseca (2020), it is crucial to express all emotions during grief, as the repression of these emotions can lead to future discomforts. Finally, it is important to highlight that grief inevitably transforms people; one cannot expect them to be the same again, as contact with death or loss impels individuals to step out of themselves, to be more empathetic to others' pain, to enjoy the little things in life more, and to have a greater disposition towards others (Ortiz, n.d.). Lastly, it is fundamental to mention that, according to Bonomi (2018), if there is no improvement over time or the pain worsens, seeking professional help is highly recommended.
Every Grieving Process is Important
There are various ways to manage grief (Karawi, 2019). In most cultures, wakes and funerals are conducted, which help survivors confront the loss. However, other experiences, such as the loss of a pet, a change of residence, the loss of a baby, a romantic breakup, geographical relocation, the termination of a job contract, among others, have less recognized and consequently less experienced grieving processes. Nevertheless, it is important to highlight that all types of grief are valid and should be faced, experienced, and processed. There are various ways to do so. One of them, undoubtedly, is seeking therapeutic support to acquire the necessary tools to cope with the new situation. Additionally, according to Karawi (2019), one can choose to write a letter, plant a tree, acquire a piece of jewelry or another item symbolizing the loss, participate in a support group, make a donation, among other actions.
References
Bonomi, S. (2018). Duelos: la importancia de aceptar y enfrentar la pérdida. Laprensa.com.ar. Recuperado 29 August 2021, a partir de https://www.laprensa.com.ar/468423-Duelos-la-importancia-de-aceptar-y-enfrentar-la-perdida.note.aspx
Fonseca, D. (2020). ¿Por qué es importante vivir el duelo?. Shaio.org. Recuperado 28 August 2021, a partir de https://www.shaio.org/vivirelduelo
Karawi, S. (2019). ¿Qué es el duelo y la importancia de vivir su proceso?. Discovering Therapy. Recuperado 29 August 2021, a partir de https://www.discoveringtherapy.com/blog/es/que-es-el-duelo-y-la-importancia-de-vivir-su-proceso/
Ortiz, P. ¿Para qué sirve el duelo?. Estarbien.ibero.mx. Recuperado 29 August 2021, a partir de http://estarbien.ibero.mx/mi-persona/mente/tristeza/que-es-el-duelo/
Porporatto, M. Importancia del duelo. Importancias. Recuperado 29 August 2021, a partir de https://importancias.com/duelo/
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