Journey of Hearts

We experience many losses in the daily process of living. Losses can take many different forms from the loss of relationship or job, to the loss of breast or limb, to the loss of mental faculties or health, to the loss of control over nature or life events or the ultimate loss through death. This website is for anyone who has ever experienced a loss. It is well-known that losses and changes can impact a person's life--forever.

Many of the different types of losses that can occur are included on this page. I was amazed when I started to compile the list, just how many different losses there are. The listing is the result of many brain-storming sessions. Below is our compilation of the wide definition for what constitutes a loss. all-inclusive. Undoubtedly, there are losses which may occur that we may have not recognized.
We invite you to send us other 'losses' that we may have missed:

email@kirstimd.com

•  Loss of Job
Promotion, Retirement, Relocation, Down sizing
• Loss of Relationship
Death, Divorce, Relocation
• Loss of Body Parts
Amputation (traumatic, surgical) of limb or digit, breast, testicle, face
• Loss of Physical Appearance
Accidents, Surgery, Aging, Burns
• Loss of Body Image
Shape changes (increased or decreased weight), see body parts above
• Loss of Health
• Diagnosis of Medical Conditions -Diabetes, Hypertension, Coronary Artery Disease, Strokes, Infertility, Menopause, Hearing Loss, Vision Loss, Cancer
• Debilitating Diseases -Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's, Spinal Cord Injury, Sports (knee, shoulder injuries)
• Loss of Mental Capacities
Aging, Alzheimer's, Brain Tumors, Neurologic disorders
• Loss of Ability to Communicate
Stroke, Alzheimer's
• Loss of Significant person through Death
Child, Spouse, Lover, Friend, Parent, Family member, Pet
• Loss of Pet
• Loss of Significant person through Relocation
Child, Friends, Family Members
• Loss of Potential Hopes and Dreams
Miscarriage, Abortion, Stillbirth, Abnormal Pregnancy, Infertility, Relationship, Job, see also Natural Disasters
• Loss of Identity
Marriage, Career, Relocation, Entering Hospital or Nursing Home
• Loss of Mobility
Aging, Fractures, Amputation, Weakness, Increased weight, Cancer, Spinal Cord Injury
• Loss of Sexual Function
Physiological - Impotency, Hysterectomy, Medical Conditions
• Loss of Sexual Function
Psychological - Rape, Incest, Molestation, Job Stressors,  Performance anxiety
• Loss of Freedom - environmental factors, living situation, Jail, Employment ("Gag Clauses")
• Loss of Control
• Natural Disasters - Fire, Flood, Tornados, Earthquake, Hurricane, Volcano - El Nino
• Situational Disasters - Victims of Violent Crimes, Random acts of Violence
• Accidents - Motor Vehicle, Plane, Train, Amusement Parks, Job Injuries
• Social conditions - Job, Family Obligations
• Loss of Home - Homeless, Domestic Violence, Elderly debilitation, Natural disaster
 

This website is designed to be a place for resources and support to help those in the grief process following a loss or a significant life change. This is a process that does not occur over night, it may take weeks, months, years, or even a life time--depending on the person and the type of loss.

There is no right way to grieve, or exact amount of time that a person will grieve, How Long will I Grieve? There are many losses that are never forgotten, particularly if the loss involved a death. A person starts recovering from the loss when the focal point shifts. Recovering does not mean forgetting. Recovering does not mean that the person will never grieve again. There still may be moments of grieving and loss. The difference is that these grieving feelings no longer disrupt the person's life, or interfere with their capacity for growth, discovery and yes...joy.

The hurt never truly goes away, it just gets smaller and condensed, tucked away in a corner somewhere in the deep recesses of your heart. There it remains at a constant low level ache, which with time often can be over ridden. But the intensity of the grief and loss can surface again, just as painful, and often without warning, making you feel that your were once again experiencing the loss anew.  With time, as you begin to heal from the loss, it seems to lessen to a level that you can function, and depending on the type of loss reach a point of reconciliation, put the loss aside and begin anew.  On this website I have tried to include a variety of ways to cope, of rituals to create and resources, in order to move on with life and begin living again.