Grief

Whether due to a death, financial loss, or divorce, grief is an emotion that nearly everyone experiences during their lifetime. If you struggle with signs of grief, turn to Broderick Healthcare in North Reading, Massachusetts. Board-certified family nurse practitioner Kathleen Broderick Logan, FNP, provides grief treatments that help you overcome difficult life situations. Schedule an appointment by calling the Broderick Healthcare office or booking a visit online today.

What is grief?

Grief is an emotion that develops after a traumatic or difficult life situation, particularly after a death. It’s the experience of coping with loss, such as the loss of a job, house, family member, unborn baby, pet, or marriage (after divorce).

You might also experience grief because of the loss of a goal or dream, a poor health diagnosis, financial instability, or infertility. Treatment with Kathleen at Broderick Healthcare helps you overcome grief in a safe, healthy, and effective manner.

What are the symptoms of grief?

The following symptoms may indicate feelings of grief:

• Extreme sadness
• Anger
• Frequent crying
• Feeling detached from your emotions
• Missing a loved one
• Regret
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Restlessness
• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Muscle weakness
• Joint pain
• Heart palpitations
• Throat or chest tightness
• Appetite changes
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Confusion
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Loss of hope
• Constantly focusing on a loss
• Difficulty remembering things

Grief can affect your mind, spirit, and body. It takes a toll on your nervous system and can weaken your immune system.

How long does grief last?

Grief may last six months up to two years, depending on the type and severity of your situation. The symptoms of grief often gradually improve over time, but treatment helps you better cope with such symptoms in a healthy way and avoid complications — such as substance misuse.

How is grief diagnosed?

Kathleen completes a mental health evaluation to determine if you’re struggling with grief or additional mental health challenges, such as anxiety or depression. She discusses your lifestyle, the losses you've endured, and your symptoms. Kathleen addresses your thoughts, emotions, moods, behaviors, and physical symptoms to diagnose your condition and offer effective support.

How is grief treated?

While grief often goes away over time, treatment at Broderick Healthcare helps you combat difficult emotions and minimize other symptoms in the process.

Kathleen may suggest making lifestyle changes, taking medications, undergoing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and attending support groups. She follows up to ensure you’re doing okay and is always here to help. Contact Broderick Healthcare at any time for additional support.

Schedule a grief evaluation at Broderick Healthcare by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.