05 Oct When to Seek Counseling Services for Pet-Related Grief
Pet owners often have a difficult time dealing with the loss of their beloved pet. According to a survey conducted by Eterneva, 45% of responding pet owners disclosed that their pet’s death was unexpected. If you’re having difficulty handling the loss of your furry friend, it can be helpful to reach out to a counselor or therapist to help you through the process. Here are a few signs that it may be time to seek out counseling services.
You’re Finding It Difficult to Get Through the Day
Grief often comes in waves. You might be fine all morning, and then something in the afternoon reminds you of your loss, and you feel grief-stricken again. This is one way that grief can occur in the months following your loss. If after the first week, you’re feeling grief-stricken throughout the entire day and are having difficulty returning to your daily routine, it’s often helpful to talk to someone about what you’re going through.
You Want to Feel Better
Our pets are often one of the unconditional loves that we experience. The loss of this emotional attachment can be devastating. If you’re mourning the loss of your pet and want to feel better, a therapist can help. Grief can take its toll on our overall well-being, and you might just get to the point where you want a change. This will allow you to hold your pet close in your heart while returning to your everyday routine. It takes time to heal from the loss of a pet, and talking with a therapist can help lessen the pain that you experience during mourning.
It’s Time to Focus on the Happy Memories
After some time goes by, you might feel ready to let go of your sadness but aren’t sure how. Our pets leave us with many happy memories and there comes a time for many people when they want to spend more time with these happy memories than with the sadness of their loss. The process may feel uneven, like you make progress one day only to feel even worse the next. Talking with someone about your grief can help.
There’s no timeline for grief, as everyone grieves differently. You should allow yourself the time you need but also know when it’s time to reach out for help. Contact In Memoriam Pet Services today to learn more about our services, or view our resources to find out more about how you can get help during this difficult time.