Interview with Claude Drouet, grief and loss counselor, licensed clinical social worker

[BridgeTheGap]

Lately, people are afraid that they're losing things -- money, homes, a sense of security. Are the dynamics of loss similar, whether you're dealing with money or people or status or dreams? Or are they different?

I do believe there is a distinction in the degree of loss. When a loved one dies, the dialogue is gone forever. When we lose things, there's more fear. Sometimes, losses (of things) can be reversed; sometimes losses can provoke us into new directions that are actually more satisfying, so it's not as final.

That is the big difference in my mind. The death of a loved one, whether family or friend, that dialogue is done. That's how a lot of people get stuck. They get stuck in anger or sadness.

Are there coping skills for people who are frightened at this very uncertain time?

Exercise. I'm not even talking about going to the gym … 30 to 40 minutes of moderate exercise a day. It's not about losing weight. It's brain exercise. Just walking, and twisting and torqueing through the midsection. We think bowling might be perfect if you don't have back trouble. For that matter, washing windows (is good). The brain seems to love this, and orders up natural anti-depressants.

No. 2
More:
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20081114/OPINION06/811140394/1082/OPINION

[Burma Jones]

1. Exercise for sure

Keeps the worst of the ADD away....

[rubberducky]

2. Thanks for posting this.

I always thought that losing something that had been living was the absolute worst thing ever. I cried and grieved when my grandmother, my dad,and several pets died. Hell, I`ve even chocked up when a long time plant has died. But, when I lost my job alittle while ago, I lost me. I go through the motions of living. But, when I read articles like this it gives me hope that "this too shall pass".

[BridgeTheGap]

3. You're welcome. Follow his advice and see what happens! n.t