Therapist Chevy Chase MD

One of life’s most challenging obstacles is when someone you love passes away. At Lindsey Hoskins & Associates, we understand just how overwhelming dealing with this loss can be. Our clients find that working with a Chevy Chase MD therapist from our practice helps in working through the grieving process.

Coping with the loss of a loved one can be managed with care when key factors are taken into account. It can be expected that you are likely to experience a physical response when grieving. You could experience a number of physical illnesses as a result including:

• Pain around your heart
• Pressure in your chest
• Tightness in your throat, making it difficult to speak
• Headaches
• Dizziness and chills
• Upset stomach

Losing someone you love can have a deep impact on all aspects of your daily functioning. It is common to find yourself experiencing the above symptoms of  illness as a result. In some situations, it may feel hard to be in the world around you, the joy of life may seem diminished. It may be difficult to eat, sleep, or even breathe. You may find yourself incurring odd sleep patterns or having a difficult time staying awake or sleeping.

This is all part of grief. There will be small reminders of the person who died all around you, whether you hear their name called out in a crowd or are reminded of them when you see a belonging of theirs amongst things in your home. Most importantly, it is common to feel completely off-kilter following a loved one’s passing. There is no right way to deal with grief as all people manage it differently.  

It will be important to cherish the time that you and your loved one had together. Overcoming feelings of sadness throughout the process of grieving by processing the feelings you are experiencing may be helpful in healing. Talking about the person who died with people you are close with may be difficult for some, but will help you to begin moving forward.

It can be tempting to shut yourself off from the outside world following a loss. Isolation will only make the healing process more difficult. Although it may seem hard, pushing yourself to spend time out doing something you enjoy can help initiate the healing process. Practicing self-care while grieving is important by making sure you are sleeping, eating, and exercising. Reaching out to people in your support circle when you are not okay or if you cannot take care of yourself is vital, especially if you find you are in need of additional support.

Seeking Professional Help of a Therapist

Reaching out to a mental health professional such as a psychologist or therapist Chevy Chase MD patients recommend is important if you are unable to work through feelings of anxiety or depression independently. Working with an individual therapist can help you to develop strategies and coping skills to manage your loss in a healthier way and conquer your grief.