Grief

Losing a loved one is heartbreaking, but having a therapist walk alongside you during your journey can help you overcome debilitating symptoms. At Spectrum Behavioral Health in New Lenox and Hinsdale, Illinois, the compassionate psychiatry team provides grief counseling and medication management to help you grieve safely. Schedule an in-person or virtual mental health evaluation today by phone or online at Spectrum Behavioral Health.

What is grief?

Grief, also called bereavement, is emotional distress that often appears after the loss of a loved one or another traumatic experience. Everyone grieves differently, but many people struggle with depression or other mental health concerns when walking through the grieving process.

The Spectrum Behavioral Health team moves alongside you during difficult life journeys.

What contributes to grief?

Common causes of grief include:

• Loss of a family member, friend, or pet
• Job loss
• Divorce or breakup
• Life-altering medical diagnosis
• Loss of a home
• Financial instability
• Loss of a goal or dream
• Infertility
• Traumatic life event

The causes of grief and reactions vary from person to person, but many people share common symptoms.

Which symptoms does grief cause?

 Grief can lead to:

• Denial, guilt, or anger
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Regret
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Restlessness
• Heart palpitations
• Chest or throat tightness
• Joint pain or weak muscles
• Reduced appetite
• Problems sleeping
• Confusion
• Difficulty making decisions or remembering things
• Hopelessness
• Poor concentration
• Social isolation
• Thoughts of suicide (suicidal ideation)
• Loss of interest in favorite things
• Substance misuse
• Malnutrition

Your symptoms can come and go. You eventually achieve acceptance at the end of a grieving period, even if the pain you feel is still present.

How is grief diagnosed?

Diagnosing grief and its complications at Spectrum Behavioral Health involves a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to assess your emotions, mood, behaviors, past trauma, and lifestyle. Your therapist asks a series of questions to determine which stage of grief you’re in, how severe it is, and the best ways to overcome troublesome thoughts and emotions.

How is grief treated?

Spectrum Behavioral Health offers numerous treatments for grief, including psychotherapy and medication management. You can meet with a therapist at one of the offices or virtually from the comfort of your home.

The Spectrum Behavioral Health team offers cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and other therapies to help people better cope with grief. They offer individual, couples, family, and group counseling sessions.

You might be a candidate for medication management to overcome depression, PTSD, anxiety, or other challenges associated with grief. The Spectrum Behavioral Health team follows up to help you heal, make peace with your situation, and optimize your physical and mental well-being.

Call the office today or use the online booking feature to schedule an in-person or virtual grief evaluation at Spectrum Behavioral Health.