Going through the loss of a loved one can be difficult, especially when you are in recovery. The two process, grief and recovery, are similar in the feelings that they produce. For these individuals, the feelings of grief may be escalated. This is why it is important that those in recovery seek out help for their mental health when they are experiencing grief. There are many different aspects to grief and therapy can help you during these turbulent times.
How Does Grief Impact Mental Health?
There is no way around it, but everyone will experience grief at some point in their life. Grief is marked by the feeling of despair after we have lost something, which is typically the passing of a loved one. However, grief can manifest after we have lost other things too, such as a job or relationship. While grief is a natural response to what we have experienced, these residual feelings can often muddy our mental health and may even lead to mental illness.
You may not experience and process grief the same way as the person next to you. This is because the situations surrounding grief are often unique to us. When we lose something we hold close to us, we may experience anger, guilt, or even relief. Many different factors can influence the grieving process. A professional therapist will be able to walk you through the stages of the grieving process and help you navigate them in a healthy way.
Can Grief Lead to a Mental Illness?
Grief is temporary, but the process typically will not resolve overnight. Grief may also come and go, even years later. If a person\’s quality of life has been impacted by their feelings of grief and they are unable to perform their daily tasks, then they may have developed a mental illness. A mental health professional can help by listening to how the grief has affected you and your life.
Can Grief Affect Addiction Recovery?
Grief is often sudden and can be traumatic. This can have a profound impact on those who are in recovery, as it can add many different stressors to their lives. Grief can present itself as a roadblock in the recovery process and may even derail an individual\’s progress. Relapse rates for those who are experiencing grief become heightened, as the feelings that accompany grief are often triggering.
It is Okay to Not Be Okay
Many people may feel ashamed or guilty that they are going through a traumatic event and are experiencing feelings or behaviors that are disrupting their lives. It is important to remember that not feeling okay is okay and it is important to get help as soon as you can. When you enter therapy, you are entering a judgment-free zone that will allow you to speak freely and openly about the experiences you are going through, so that you will be able to get the highest-quality help that you can get. It is commendable and inspiring when an individual seeks help for what they are going through that may be causing severe issues in their daily life.
Grief Management and Staying on the Road to Recovery
The recovery process is lifelong, which means that an individual will always need to be mindful of their sobriety. Grief can impact not only those who have just entered recovery, but also those who have been sober for years. Grief can create feelings of hopelessness and emptiness that may cause those in recovery to revert back to drug or alcohol misuse. This is why it is important to seek help for grief management, no matter what stage of recovery you are in.
Although grief is profound and can be debilitating, it is possible for grief to be managed. Outpatient therapy options can provide individuals with professional individualized options for grief management. You will be able to speak with a medical professional that can help to walk you through the grieving process and provide you with support if you are experiencing bothersome behaviors or emotions. Our professionals can help you stay on the road to recovery and manage your grief properly to keep both your mind and body healthy. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day. Call 833-610-1174.