Grief is the natural response to any form of loss of a loved one. While grief is often thought of as an emotional response, it can also involve a physical, cognitive, behavioral, or social response. The responses to grief are often very similar to depression, but it is important to note that they are very different. Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain, whereas grief is a natural response to some form of loss. To learn more about Grief and Loss, please check out the link to Willow House.
Grief is commonly thought of as a response to the death of a loved one. However, there are many different causes for grief. Some of the possible causes are listed below. Please note that “loss” can refer to a loss due to death, moving away, or other form of separation.
Loss of a loved one
Loss of a pet
Divorce or marriage
Birth of a sibling
Changes in friendships or relationships
Changes in personal health or health of loved ones
Changes in work, such as new jobs or new hours
There are many different reactions associated with grief. Some of the typical reactions are listed below. Remember that each person will grieve differently. Please refer to Grief Reactions by Age from the Willow House website for a more detailed look at grief reactions.
Crying
Irritability or anger
Bitterness
Numbness
Confusion
Difficulty sleeping
Fatigue
Headaches
Sore muscles
Digestive problems
Loss of interest in social activities
Avoidance of others
Please refer to the Counseling Resources page for a list of counseling centers in the Lake County and Kenosha County areas. Additionally, there are two more resources listed below that specialize in grief counseling:
Hospice Alliance
Location:
10220 Prairie Ridge Blvd.
Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158
(262) 652-4400