Grief

Grief can be all-consuming, making it hard to reach out for help. But if you feel overwhelmed by sadness or like you can’t cope with grief, it’s time to connect with Debra Black-Mayo, MS, LPC, CCTP, CDBT, at Mayo Counseling Center in Chandler, Arizona. Debra offers compassion, support, and guidance as you talk, work through your grief, and learn how to move forward embraced by happy memories. To schedule an in-office or telehealth appointment, call or use the online booking feature today.

What causes grief?

Most people think of grief as a strong emotion they must face after the death of a family member or friend. While that’s true, there are many reasons you may experience grief.

Grief is the emotion you feel in response to any loss. You may experience grief after the loss of:

• A friendship
• A working relationship
• Your health
• Your job
• Financial stability
• A pet

Each person deals with grief in their own way and time. Some people want to talk about it; others can’t bear to share their feelings. Some people deal with their grief and feel better quickly; others need a year or more to come to terms with their loss.

When should I seek help for grief?

Since everyone follows their own timetable when dealing with grief, there aren’t any hard-and-fast rules about when you should seek help. 

However, your pain and other emotions should gradually improve. Little-by-little, pleasant memories should fill the hole where you could only feel sadness. 

It may be time to seek grief counseling if your feelings don’t improve over time or you:

• Feel overwhelmed with your emotions
• Can’t get over the intense pain
• Can’t stop feelings of anger or bitterness
• Isolate yourself from family and friends
• Can’t talk about your grief
• Become depressed
• Stifle your feelings

If you stifle your feelings, you may move forward and feel like you’re over the grief. But stifling your feelings doesn’t give you the chance to go through the grieving process.

Not grieving takes a toll on your mental health. One day in the future, your grief will suddenly reappear, causing extreme and overwhelming feelings.

Grief counseling restores your well-being by helping you work through your grief, acknowledge your pain, and move forward without pushing down your true feelings.

What should I expect during grief counseling?

Debra gives you a safe, supportive, and comforting environment where you can talk about your emotions and work through your feelings. She listens, guides the conversation, and suggests steps you can take to cope with your grief.

During grief counseling, you move at your own pace. Debra honors your feelings and needs. She doesn’t push you beyond your ability to deal with your experiences.

If you need help with grief, call Mayo Counseling Center, LLC, or request an in-person or telehealth appointment online today.