Loss & Grief

Understanding Loss & Grief

Coping with the loss of someone you love is one of life’s biggest challenges. It’s often associated with the loss of a loved one, but the loss of anything can lead to grief. A dying person can even experience grief at the end of their life and as they prepare to die. 

Loss and grief are intertwined experiences of pain that come from a significant absence or change in one’s life. Grief is the emotional response to a loss, and a loss can be a death, divorce, a breakup of a relationship or friendship, the loss of a job, the loss of a home, or the loss of a pet. Grief can also show up in various ways. It can show itself as sadness, anger, or even as physical symptoms. 

Signs and Symptoms of Loss & Grief

Loss, and more specifically grief, can show up in many different ways, both physical and emotional. Everyone’s grief looks different and can vary wildly. That said, some of the most common signs and symptoms include:

Physical Symptoms

• Lack of energy or fatigue
• Headaches
• Upset stomach
• Excessive sleeping
• Excessive activity
• Reduced or increased appetite

Emotional Symptoms

• Memory lapses or confusion
• Inability to concentrate
• Crying
• Irritability
• Anger
• Depression
• Hopelessness
• Conflicting emotions

Help with Loss & Grief

While a loss and the resulting grief can make you feel very alone, you don’t have to struggle with it by yourself. Gathering your friends and family to help you deal with the loss can show you that you are not alone and give you a sense of greater community. 

But beyond your loved ones, an expert professional like Dr. McGuire can help you deal with the different stages of grief and the symptoms you’re experiencing. She can help you understand your grief, work through it, and learn different skills and strategies to ensure you can honor and remember the person, place, or thing that you lost but still live and enjoy your life. 

Schedule a Consultation

While it’s important to take time to grieve a loss, it’s also crucial not to let it take over your whole life or negatively affect your mental health. If you’re struggling with a recent or past loss, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from Dr. McGuire and Cottonwood Psychiatry. To schedule a consultation, call our Denver office or message us via our online contact form. 

Dr. Colleen McGuire

Dr. Colleen McGuire, DO, is a Board-Certified Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine specializing in Psychiatry with a background in Anthropology and Music from the University of New Mexico, pre-med studies in Denver, and a medical degree from Touro University in California. She completed her residency at the University of Colorado, serving as Chief Resident, and has held key roles such as Attending Psychiatrist and Assistant Professor at Denver Health, as well as working in various inpatient, outpatient, and telepsychiatry settings. Dr. McGuire specializes in trauma, midlife hormonal issues, and alternatives to medication, utilizing therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Known for her empathetic, client-centered approach and strong collaborative relationships, she is licensed in multiple states and enjoys mentoring nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Outside of work, she is a classical pianist, swimmer, and animal lover who values personal growth and creativity.

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