Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Loss and Despair..

This post is dedicated to the general feeling of loss and despair, not only as it relates to death, but to other events as well. I wanted to post about this since, through the research I've done to this point plus living through a few traumatic events in my 46 years, I wanted to share what I've found in order to assist in healing.
Helpguide.org - 'Coping with Grief and Loss - Support for Grieving and Bereavement'
This site has an abundance of information for all types of grief and loss. A great "one stop" resource for many issues related to this subject matter.
Pet Loss Support Page - 'Washington Pet Loss Resources'
This site/page lists a vast amount of links to support groups and resources that are available in Washngton State for the grief encountered when your pet passes.
Associated Content - 'How to Help a Friend Who Loses a Loved One During the Christmas Season'
Losing a loved one is always terribly difficult, but when that happens during the holiday season, extra chores and activities of the Christmas season and the prospect of the holidays can seem downright overwhelming. This article will offer some suggestions on how to help a friend get through the holiday season while still in mourning for their lost loved one.
PatriotOutreach - 'Warning Signs, Triggers, and Coping Strategies for Iraqi War Veterans'
The information listed in this site relates specifically to the emotional impact of wartime loss and grief. It lists triggers and possible results from the traumatic memories related to being in a combat environment.
NY Times - 'Emotional Effects Of Natural Disasters'
A NY Times article related to grief surrounding natural disaster.

Grief after a divorce..

Being a divorced man, I feel it's important to understand how to cope with this type of loss. My marriage failed six years ago. The feeling of loss and guilt stays with me, even though much time has passed. Through the support of friends and family, it has become much easier to manage. Days, weeks or even months go by without feeling the grief I did right after the divorce happened.
A few links I've discovered:
Livestrong - 'How to Overcome Grief After a Bitter Divorce'
Key points:
Set priorities carefully and limit extra sources of stress and to establish a new identity outside of the marriage.
Articlebase - 'How to Handle Grief after Divorce'
Key points:
The way to divorce recovery is by first acknowledging your feelings about it. You have to be completely and totally honest with yourself in order to move past the hurt and pain. Everything you are feeling is valid and you can live a happy and successful life after divorce. Always remember that you are not alone. There are others that have been through what you're going through right now, as well as those who are going through the grief process at the same time as you. Joining a divorce support group will put you in connection with other people who are trying to heal after divorce just as you are.
Mend a Broken Heart - 'After Divorce - The Stages of Grief and Depression'
Key points:
It is OK to ask for help. When a divorce occurs, help is often lacking, so you may need to seek out your own support. Just remember that you probably won’t feel this way forever. Learn to be thankful for what you have. Look beyond the pain. Limit your sorrow.
Divorce Magazine - 'Divorce Recovery Article'
This is an interview with Russell Friedman, executive director of The Grief Recovery Institute and co-author of The Grief Recovery Handbook. The interview is about understanding that death and divorce are two of the primary grief or loss issues.
Innerself - 'Men and Divorce'
Key points:
If a man has been successful solving problems in his job but can't control his marriage, he's thrown by it. Grief is not madness, but ex-husbands often endure it as a shameful secret. Grief is so mistaken as a sign of weakness that men have aborted mourning by expressing anger and hostility, emotions natural to separation and divorce, but more "acceptable" for men to vent than sorrow.