Posts Tagged ‘music’
Madelyn – The power of music
Madelyn – The power of music
Madelyn – discusses the potency of music and processing good and bad memories
Madelyn – Grieving process as a 2nd generation Canadian
Madelyn – Grieving process as a 2nd generation Canadian
Madelyn talks about being a 2nd generation Canadian, some things she has learend working in palliative care as a music therapist
When Grief Therapy Can Help
Post by Maureen Pollard, MSW, RSW
When Grief Therapy Can Help
Death is a natural part of life, and grief is a natural response to the death of a loved one. It makes sense that we might be able to move independently through the experience of grief as we adapt to the reality of life after loss. Sometimes, all we need is the gentle understanding and acceptance of those in our circles as we adjust to the absence of a loved one.
There are times when grief feels overwhelming, and begins to interfere with our ability to function. We can be caught in painful patterns of grief that are beyond the support our family and friends can offer us. Some signs that we might benefit from professional help include:
Suicidal thoughts. If you’re actively thinking about suicide, with a plan to die, please call a crisis line to talk with someone who understands and can give you the non-judgmental support you need when your loved ones are too worried to remain calm as you express your thoughts and feelings to work through them.
On-going, uncontrollable symptoms of distress including crying, insomnia, irritability, panic attacks or depression. These symptoms are all very common in grief, especially in the early days and weeks after a loss. As you adjust to the absence of your loved one, you should find that these symptoms decrease. Counselling can help if they continue, and if they interfere with your ability to work or take part in typical activities such as grocery shopping.
You’re relying on substances like drugs or alcohol to help you avoid your thoughts and feelings. This behaviour can cause additional difficulties with your health and your ability to function in life, and while it’s a common coping mechanism it can quickly escalate with negative consequences.
You don’t have family or friends who are able or willing to support you. It may be that you’re alone in the world after your loved one has died. Alternatively, it may be that the people in your life can’t support you in the ways you need. Maybe they don’t understand, or maybe they are too deep in their own grief.
You blame yourself, or you’re experiencing intrusive thoughts of reliving your loved one’s death. These symptoms of grief are associated with trauma and can benefit from professional support in your recovery.
Remember that while it’s natural to grieve, and grieving takes time, if you find yourself experiencing some of these more difficult situations as you try to cope with the loss of a loved one, there is help available. You can find supportive grief therapy that works for you through a referral by family and friends, your doctor or an internet search for grief therapy in your geographic region. Your grief has a real impact and you’re worthy of good support.
Sara – Creating music
Sara – Creating music
Sara explains how creating music can be a part of the grieving process
Sara – Listening to music
Sara – Listening to music
Sara discusses how listening to music can help navigate loss
Sara – Lyrics
Sara – Lyrics
Sara talks about how lyrics can have an impact on how we experience music
Sara – Music and celebration of life
Sara – Music and celebration of life
Sara explains how music can play an importand and significant role in celebrations of life.
Sara – Music at the end of life
Sara – Music at the end of life
Sara talks about the values of music at the end of life
Sara – My Story
Sara – My Story
Sara talks about why she became a music therapist, espression and connecting to feelings
Sara – Music and grief
Sara – Music and grief
Sara discusses how music can connect and help by acknowledging grief and bringing comfort
Holly – Gifts in moments at the end of life
Holly – Gifts in moments at the end of life
Lynda discusses how to deal with guilt.Holly talks about singing at the end of life
Valmy – Music for me and for others
Valmy – Music for me and for others
Valmy talks about music she has created around her loss and how it helps her connect with others