Christina Zampitella, Psy.D., FT
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Fellow of Thanatology
Death, Loss, and Grief
Grief is a natural reaction to loss, and the response can be physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, or a mixture of them all. Symptoms can include everything from shock and disbelief to sadness and emptiness, guilt and regret, anger and blame, fear and anxiety, and more. It’s normal to have many conflicting, painful emotions when a loss happens. Sometimes these feelings do not fade away with time as you come to terms with your loss and find ways to establish a “new normal.” It is important to consider all reactions to grief with caution. These reactions are commonly found in the grieving process, but if they remain intense over a prolonged period of time, it may be an indicator that the person is not adapting to his or her loss.
Grief allows a person to come to terms with a significant loss and make sense of their new reality without the deceased. Regardless of whether or not you are moving through your grieving process, working with a grief specialist can give you the support you need to walk the path of healing.