If you are dealing with the trauma of grief whether through the death of a loved one, a break up, or loss of a job, I know personally how devastating that can be. Through losing two siblings during the Covid pandemic, two close cousins, an aunt and last year my beloved father, I learned quickly how to draw close to Jesus Christ. In Psalm 34:18 it states, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” God is compassionate and near to those who are experiencing emotional pain and anguish. This scripture highlights that God offers comfort, support, and salvation to those who feel brokenhearted and spiritually defeated.
It is extremely important to treat yourself with kindness while going through the journey of grief. Reaching out to loved ones around you is also very important. Christian counseling has to be my top pick for navigating all the ebbs and flows of a grief journey. And yes, it is a journey and no it will not be easy. Processing grief takes work. Not work in the traditional sense, but it’s about caring for yourself in a way that you have not done before.
Grief is not a linear process and there is no rule book on how to go about what is felt during grief. The feelings that are experienced by grief are sadness, guilt, anger, depression, anxiety and numbness. Some physical symptoms may include fatigue, no appetite, or trouble sleeping. One thing to be clear, there is no correct way to grieve and there is no timeline. Many people will ask how long will the process last? Everyone is different, so there is no correct answer to that question. Some may experience grief for a few months, while others may struggle for years. Over time, the intensity of the pain may begin getting better, but moments of sadness can hit out of nowhere. This is especially true on birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. The goal isn’t to get over grief, but rather to learn how to navigate life in a new and different way while still finding meaning and connection in life.
While some people may not need to seek professional help during their grieving process, others may experience complicated grief or prolonged grief disorder. This is when emotional pain doesn’t ease over time, and feelings of hopelessness and difficulty dealing with day to day life become overwhelming. At this time, it is important to reach out for help.
As a mental health counselor specializing in grief work, I can provide a safe space to process loss, help you to learn coping strategies, and explore feelings without judgment. There isn’t a quick fix to going through the grief process but I can offer empathy and compassion along the way.
Some may be tempted to feel shame when they are grieving. Grief is nothing to be ashamed of, it is a reflection process and a strong attachment. If you are grieving, I invite you to reach out for professional therapy. Therapy is a valuable resource for navigating loss and rediscovering meaning in life.
Written by Synetta Crispin, Omaha Location – MA, PLMHP
Spence Counseling Center provides Christ-centered counseling services that integrate Biblical truth with professional therapeutic practices. With a team of experienced counselors, we help individuals, couples, and families find healing, hope, and growth through faith-based guidance. Our mission is to walk alongside clients as they align their hearts and minds with God’s Word, fostering lasting emotional, spiritual, and relational health. Wherever you may be in life’s journey, we are committed to helping you find strength, knowledge, and the skills to break the patterns that damage relationships and cause emotional pain. We help hurting people find genuine healing.