Grief Recovery Institute® Guidance Center
John W. James
Founder of The Grief Recovery Institute®
Co-Author of The Grief Recovery
Handbook & When Children Grieve
Russell Friedman
Executive Director
Co-Author of The Grief Recovery
Handbook & When Children Grieve
Featured Article
Normal and Natural reactions to the death of someone important to you.
Grief is the wide range of normal and natural reactions to the death of someone important to you. The seven most common reactions are:
- Numbness
- Reduced Ability to Concentrate or Focus
- Crying or NOT Crying
- Lowered State of Energy—Not To Be Confused With Clinical Depression
- Disturbed Sleeping Patterns and Dreams and Nightmares
- Irregular Eating Patterns
- Roller-Coaster of Emotions
Ask John & Russell – I'm getting tired of propping everyone else up. (Published 1-24-12)
Q:How do I respond to family members who seem critical of my grieving, who tell me to "move on", "you're self-absorbed", "self-destructive" and other hurtful things?
This started the day of his memorial service when I was told I was "being rude" and "enabling myself to feel sad" because I cried after reading the sympathy cards. They act as if I want to feel this way, are disgusted and want me to feel guilty.
Do they really expect me to act happy for their sake? I try but I'm getting tired of propping everyone else up. They have said/done nothing to comfort me in any way and act as though my spouse never existed. It hurts a great deal and isn't helping me heal any.
Appreciate any advice you can give..Thank you
Russell Friedman Replies:
(Dear Anon,
Sadly, your note and questions represent something very common for many grievers.
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Find Local Support
If you or someone important to you wants help with grief: Look for a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist℠ in your community. The Grief Recovery Institute ® trains and mentors Certified Grief Recovery Specialists℠ throughout the United States & Canada.
See Russell and John's blog at Psychology Today
Workshops & Training Schedule
The Grief Recovery Institute ® offers Certification Training programs for those who wish to help grievers.
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November 2011
Los Angeles, CA -- November 18-21 -
December 2011
Houston, TX -- December 2-5
Phoenix, AZ -- December 2-5
