23rd November 2021

As explored in a previous blog post, it is not advisable to immediately seek bereavement counselling in Harrogate or online. Giving yourself some time to grieve privately, to process your emotions, is the recommended course of action, because this is a period when you are still in shock. Over time, however, you might feel like seeking a bereavement counsellor is the best thing to do. If you are unsure about whether to reach out, here are three signs that suggest you might need bereavement counselling. 

Feeling Numb

It is possible to move past the loss of a loved one too easily. The pain of grief is so much that many people automatically close themselves off from these difficult feelings and, as a result, don’t feel anything at all. They might constantly insist that they are “fine”, but in reality they are pushing down their grief and not allowing themselves to process the loss they have experienced. If this is the case, seeing a bereavement counsellor in Harrogate or online can be beneficial, as I provide a safe, confidential space where these difficulties can be explored and processed in a healthy way. 

Addictions 

 As is often the case, people who have experienced a loss will slip into addictions to avoid the pain they are in. This could involve drinking, drugs, shopping, eating, sex, gambling, or any other activity/behaviour that has the short-term benefit of briefly removing the pain, but has a deeper consequence of masking - and accentuating - the original pain of that loss. Seeing a bereavement counsellor in Harrogate or online is the safest, most effective way to deal with this original hurt.

Fear of Making New Relationships

 In cases of grieving, it is common to have an apprehension towards forming new relationships. The fear of loss, along with an inability to detach oneself from the past, means people don’t make new bonds with others. This is a sign of someone not moving past their grief; they are not allowing themselves to move forward and grow because they are still holding on to the initial pain of losing a loved one. 

If you are struggling to move past the loss of a loved one, or have a family member or friend who is displaying any of the above behaviours, I offer confidential, bespoke bereavement counselling in Harrogate or online. Feel free to get in touch and ask any questions you might have.