Understanding and Coping with Grief

Mapping of the Nuerotransmitters during Grief

Grief encompasses the loss of a loved one, life transitions, adjustments and adapting to changes. Based on research, our brain is constantly replaying and making sense of losses. Between 7% and 10 % of bereaved individuals experience “Prolonged Grief Disorder” (PGD). Additionally, persistent yearning can emote emotional numbness with a sense of disbelief about the loss (Prigerson et al. 2009).

Human brains are hardwired in attachment formation. And attachment is impacted by psychological and physiological regulation, providing emotional stability during times of distress and acting as safety nets during times of uncertainty. Interestingly, the brain focuses on the here, now and interprets the sensation when an individual experiences loss.

Understanding the grief stages includes:

• Denial

• Anger

• Bargaining

• Despair

• Acceptance

During my work with clients, I have noticed the challenges navigated in working through deep pain and moving forward. A part of this process highlights sharing of stories, grieving the loss including disenfranchised grief— especially not being able to share the pain with others. These overwhelming experiences are multilayered with making sense of the emotional roller coaster journey while searching for significance.

Altogether, dealing with stressful situations like grief can be daunting but with safe and positive support systems, people can visualize hope in the midst of darkness. Essentially, taking care of our emotional health is optimum because grief can be intense. When we grieve in silence, it is possible for ANGER to take root in our hearts. And this is where blaming and externalization occurs.

Journal Prompts:

When I share my story ______________________

What I experience now______________________

Write about your emotions as you reflect on your process __________________ And what are some of your reflective statements?______________________________

Ways to support my work:

She Emerge Faith & Mental Health Podcast

She Emerge Sisterhood Inc