Press Release
Grief recovery. An odd term; gives us the sense that we are recovering from an illness.
In a way, we are. If we do not address the causes of our grief and the many feelings associated with grief, we do become ill—both emotionally and physically.
Unresolved grief means that we have not really expressed our sadness, longing and loneliness, guilt, anger, and, yes, perhaps relief and joy that we have held hidden deep inside us in a place we believe is safe.
How do we ever begin to express these many conflicting emotions and feel believed, understood, and supported? How do we begin to learn how to talk about our grief in a society that has taught us to be strong, to not show emotion and to not cry?
How do we begin to let down our old protective walls of safety so our hearts and minds can be open again to be fully “present” and open to new experiences and relationships?
If we never address our sadness, we run the risk of developing psychological problems such as anxiety or depression, and may begin to experience a disruption in our sleep and eating habits, lack of motivation, and possibly suicidal thoughts.
We are not able to fully experience the wonder of life.
The physical effects of unresolved grief is noted in our compromised immune system as we become more susceptible to colds and ’flu symptoms. Pre-existing ailments, such as arthritis or asthma, may get worse, along with chronic headaches, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure to list a few.
Grief is an immensely stressful event that can take a huge toll on the body and mind if not addressed.
Grief is a natural and normal emotional response to the loss of any kind: through death, divorce, job loss, a move to a new home or town, or the loss of a favourite possession.
The problem is that we haven’t been socialized to believe that our feelings of grief are normal and natural, but that we must “be strong, will have other partners, or replace the lost item with a new one.”
Seldom do we feel truly supported or even know how to process our grief, but recovery is possible by following a series of small yet specific steps.
Grief recovery means feeling better, and requires courage and a willingness to face our pain.
Mary Elder and Harold Tookenay, both mental health therapists and certified grief recovery counsellors, again will be offering a 10-week grief recovery outreach program each Monday from 7-9 p.m. from Jan. 19-March 23.
The cost of the program is $250, with an initial deposit of $100 and payment options over the next five weeks.
The associated work book is an additional $15.
In related news, an alumni weekend is scheduled for Jan. 23 (evening) and both days on Jan. 24 and 25. The cost is $100.
Anyone who has completed the 10-week program is eligible to attend the alumni weekend.
To register for either program, call 274-2779.
