MISSING AND AMBIGUOUS LOSS
Having a missing person or a missing pet can have a huge unexpected impact on your wellbeing. Sometimes people feel despair and worry, or perhaps guilt, shame or anger. Or you may be shocked, frustrated or confused about the situation and possibly in a state of disbelief. A missing person's disappearance may have been planned and they left a note, or you fear abduction, suicide or suspect a crime has been committed. You may know where they are but they don't want contact, or it is not possible.
Some days may be full of hope and then hopelessness as you wait for news and sightings. Endless searching is emotionally tiring and the people close to you may struggle to know what to say as time goes on. It might have been days, months or years, and without any resolution you may feel stuck, don’t know whether to grieve, try to move on or cling to hope. The stress of the situation can take its toll on close relationships and perhaps you feel overwhelmed or out of control. Perhaps you are worried about what might happen if a person missing to you returns.
Whatever the situation is, it can be devastating and traumatic. You will likely feel frozen, prolonged and/or traumatic grief and experience an impact on your health. If you are struggling with your wellbeing, confidential therapy can help you understand your loss and grief. Being aware of ambiguous loss may help you come to terms with your feelings.
Some days may be full of hope and then hopelessness as you wait for news and sightings. Endless searching is emotionally tiring and the people close to you may struggle to know what to say as time goes on. It might have been days, months or years, and without any resolution you may feel stuck, don’t know whether to grieve, try to move on or cling to hope. The stress of the situation can take its toll on close relationships and perhaps you feel overwhelmed or out of control. Perhaps you are worried about what might happen if a person missing to you returns.
Whatever the situation is, it can be devastating and traumatic. You will likely feel frozen, prolonged and/or traumatic grief and experience an impact on your health. If you are struggling with your wellbeing, confidential therapy can help you understand your loss and grief. Being aware of ambiguous loss may help you come to terms with your feelings.
