Grieving and Healing as a Family

Losing a beloved member of the family can be devastating for each individual, as well as for the entire family. Each person goes through the grieving process at their own pace. Grief can bring out the best and worst even in close-knit families. The different way each member grieves can be a source of conflict and discord and may present new and different challenges within the family.

Family grief depends on internal and external factors such as various beliefs, life experiences, and the type of loss. Grief may be expressed through rituals, but it is generally shown in the same way as others do, even if it is said that everyone mourns differently. Some families find solace in sharing their grief with family members and friends, while others seek comfort from a grief support group in the community. Regardless of how a family works toward grieving and healing, it can be important to remain sensitive to how other family members feel.

Grief Symptoms as a Family Affair

The passing of a family member can affect the entire family. It is a family crisis that all members encounter and may be one of the most stressful life events ever experienced. It can feel like an important link in the family chain is suddenly gone and everyone is struggling to find their way. Everyone is mourning, roles and responsibilities are altered, relationships are changed.

Although it is inevitable, the occurrence of death can be significantly upsetting and disruptive not only to the family system, but also to individual functioning. Grief is often expressed with physical symptoms that include crying, low energy, headaches, sweating, poor appetite, binge eating, insomnia or hypersomnia, and overworking. Behavior may change to the point of being reckless or even self-destructive.

The social symptoms of grief may include withdrawal, clinginess, detachment, and resentment towards others who seem to be “moving on”. Many experience anger, frustration, anxiety, depression, guilt, sadness, irritability, memory impairment, passive resignation and a general feeling of lack of control.

Grieving and Healing Together as a Family

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult and painful experiences a family can undergo together. Loss can be so devastating that it can trap the entire family in grief. It is not, however, impossible to move through grief to healing. If your family is experiencing difficulty processing your loss, family counseling with a caring counselor independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Sanford, NC Office could help.

Sadly, there is no way to avoid grief. While pain is unavoidable, suffering is optional. Therapy can help you and your family process your grief and begin to move forward together. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment.

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