Grief

It’s normal to experience grief after a loss, but moving on can be challenging, especially if you’re alone. At KAVN Health in Columbia, Maryland, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Veronica Kwegyir-Afful, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, and the team provide grief counseling to people of all ages. Call the nearest KAVN Health office to schedule a grief counseling consultation, or book your appointment online today. Telemedicine appointments are also available for patients liivng in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and Washington, DC. 

Are grief and depression the same?

Grief and depression present similar symptoms, but they aren’t the same.

Grief

Grief is the feeling you experience after a significant loss, such as a divorce or the death of a loved one. It causes intense sadness, but these feelings typically lessen over time.

Depression

Depression is a mental health condition that causes long-term feelings of sadness and hopelessness. It also causes a loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy. Depression often worsens over time and requires professional treatment.

Are there different types of grief?

The KAVN Health team treats several types of grief, including:

Anticipatory grief

This type of grief occurs before an actual loss. For example, you might experience anticipatory grief if you learn a loved one is living with a terminal illness like cancer.

Delayed grief

Delayed grief causes feelings of sadness weeks or even months after a loss. This type is common in people providing long-term care for severely sick or disabled loved ones. Often, it’s impossible to grieve until you’ve dealt with practical matters accompanying loss, such as a funeral.

Inhibited grief

Inhibited grief causes you to suppress the emotions associated with a loss. Unfortunately, ignoring or pushing your feelings down increases the risk of physical health problems, such as insomnia and anxiety.

Cumulative grief

This type of grief occurs following multiple losses. Grieving more than one loss can leave you feeling isolated and alone.

How is grief treated?

The KAVN Health team treats grief using an integrative, patient-centered approach. This includes:

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, or counseling, involves talking one-on-one with a mental health professional. Talking about your loss can help you better understand your feelings and adapt to your new life post-loss. Similarly, it teaches you coping strategies to develop a new identity and build new relationships.

Attending to your emotions

Grief needs to be felt and processed. Instead of stuffing your emotions down or ignoring them, truly feel them. Remember that it’s ok to cry or be angry. Expressing your feelings makes it easier to navigate painful emotions.

Sticking to a routine

Grief often hangs over you like a cloud. Maintaining a routine helps you regain a sense of control and regulates your emotions. 

Call the nearest KAVN Health office to schedule a grief consultation, or request an appointment online today.