Coping With Grief After Losing Health

If you or a loved one recently received an upsetting—possibly life-threatening—diagnosis, you might be feeling a mixture of shock, disbelief, fear, sadness, and anger. It’s completely normal for you to feel this way. Many people think of grief only in terms of the death of a loved one, but it can also stem from losing your health (or from any other major life change).

On top of difficult emotions, we may struggle spiritually, wondering how God could allow this and just as quickly feeling guilty for questioning Him. The result can be feeling distant from God when we most need Him to be close.

Coping With the Loss of Health

Everyone processes grief differently, and you’ll need to find the approach that works best for you. With that said, you may want to try:

• Speaking to your pastor -- When we receive difficult news regarding our health, we can be faced with questions about the afterlife that we haven't fully pondered before. A loving pastor can offer reassurance and provide biblical answers to difficult questions.

• Speaking to a therapist – You may feel like you need to put on a brave face around your loved ones, but with an objective therapist, you can freely share the feelings you’re experiencing.

• Joining a support group – Talking to other people who are in the same position as you can help you feel less alone. Plus, they may be able to share advice about what has helped them cope with their own diagnoses.

• Keeping a journal -- It can be helpful to process difficult emotions and losses by writing down exactly how you're feeling. Perhaps follow the example of David in the Psalms, pouring out your heart unfiltered and then ending with an acknowledgement of God's love and faithfulness even in times where it's hard to find the good.

• Accepting help – Your friends and family members love you and want to do whatever they can to help you through this difficult time. Many people turn down offers of assistance, not wanting to impose or be seen as weak. But with medical appointments and everything else you have on your plate right now, having someone cook a meal, run errands, or do your laundry could make life easier and give you more time to process your diagnosis. 

Speak to a Therapist About Your Grief

If you’re struggling to cope with the loss of your own health or a loved one’s health, we’re here for you. We can believe for you until you can believe again. Contact us today and let us know that you’d like to schedule your first therapy session.