Grief is more than mourning a death. It can follow the loss of a relationship, a job, your health, or even a dream you once held. Whatever the source, grief has a way of reshaping your world—and it doesn’t follow neat stages or timelines. At Psych Associates of Springfield, we help individuals and families understand their grief and find healthy ways to heal
What Grief Really Looks Like
Grief doesn’t always show up as sadness. It may look like:
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Intense waves of emotion, or sometimes complete numbness
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Difficulty concentrating or remembering details
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Physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, or stomach upset
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Anger, guilt, or irritability
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Feeling disconnected from others—or even from yourself
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Questioning your future, meaning, or faith
Everyone’s story is unique. For some, the loss of a loved one is central. For others, it’s the end of a marriage, a major health change, or losing a career they loved.
Common Myths About Grief
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“Grief is only about death.” In reality, any deep loss can bring grief. Divorce, infertility, a lost home, or the end of a friendship are all valid sources of grief.
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“Time heals all wounds.” Time helps, but healing requires intentional processing and support.
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“You should ‘move on.’” True healing is about integrating loss into your life, not forgetting.
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“If you don’t cry, you’re not grieving enough.” Grief looks different for everyone.
How Therapy Helps
Therapy creates space for your unique healing journey. A grief counselor can help you:
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Safely explore and express your emotions
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Normalize your experience so you don’t feel “broken”
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Build coping tools for anniversaries, triggers, or daily struggles
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Honor your loss while moving toward new meaning in life
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Work through complicated grief, when sadness feels “stuck”
For more on the many ways grief affects our health, the American Psychological Association offers research-based insights on coping with grief and loss
Small Steps Toward Healing
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Allow yourself to feel. All emotions are valid—anger, sadness, even relief.
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Seek connection. Trusted friends, family, or support groups can remind you you’re not alone.
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Practice gentle self-care. Rest, nourishment, and movement support both body and mind.
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Create rituals. Memorials, writing letters, or planting something new can honor your loss.
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Reach out for support. Therapy can be a safe next step when grief feels overwhelming
You Are Not Alone
Grief reshapes who you are, but it does not have to define your future. With support and time, you can carry your loss while also reclaiming joy, hope, and meaning. At Psych Associates of Springfield, we walk alongside you with compassion and expertise as you take steps toward healing.
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