Now take a moment to look at this list to see if and how the LOSS applies to you:
a loved one – human(s) or pet(s)
your health or that of your significant other or pet i.e., an organ, limb, vision, hearing, breast, fertility, potency, cognitive (brain) function, heart function etc.
a job, career, vocation
a home be it your residence or your country
a car, vehicle, other item of importance or high value
a pregnancy
your freedom
Every item mentioned above is one of significance that will challenge you emotionally, psychologically and physically. It will take a series of steps or stages to overcome the stress and grief in every case of loss. For some, the coping mechanism is relatively smooth while others may have more difficulty with the process. The amount of energy expended in the latter cases can be enormous and take a tremendous toll on one's health and future.
Let's see how we can view our states of existence of living conditions as those in which we can cope no matter what.

WHY LOSE?

Do you look at life with a grey hue in front of you most of the time? Some of the time? Never?

Did you ever realize how your perspective on/in life will drive it in the positive or negative lane as it were?

If you answered "never" to the above question, you are most likely to be able to cope with most of life's tough events or curve­balls. Your positive attitude and acceptance of life's natural cycles, including death, will be of great value in the near and distant future for you. Moreover, you have an understanding that there is really no true loss because you never actually possess anything.

FREE THE POSSESSION

And you will be able to accept your so-called "loss" without CHRONIC worry, guilt or pain.

What does this mean?
We all tend to "believe" that we possess our environment, our children, our partners, dogs, cats, horses, chickens, cows, goats, houses, gardens, clothes, jewelry, money, religions, country and power over things etc. That reality is that they are not possessions but rather the elements of life that are moving through us and around us in cycles that we each have come to exchange place and time with, depending on the circumstances and placement of energies for the particular individual.

Essentially, we don't "possess" a thing.
However, for all practical purposes, let's say that we "have" people and things within and amongst us. If you get this idea, you will begin to appreciate that all of life is a shared existence and we are all in this together exchanging our energies with each other constantly.

According to a certain enlightened group:
Everything in the universe is part of a vast living web of interconnectedness. There is no beginning and no end. Whether you accept this or not, I cannot be sure, but you should not disregard its "wisdom". Take a moment to reflect on this.

Keep in mind one important reality and piece of advice: Today will never return so live each moment as if it were your last.

THE GRIEF CYCLE ACCORDING TO ELIZABTH KUBLER-ROSS

While this brilliant psychiatrist had as her main focus the terminally ill and pioneered the comfort care for end-of-life situations, she also ignited a flame that continues to light the way for virtually anyone who is faced with loss, shocking news or any situation that strikes a hard blow.
Here is a summary of the cycle of grief that Dr. Kubler-Ross had outlined in all her years of both clinical and non-clinical experiences (note: the original Kubler-Ross model does not explicitly include the "shock" and "testing" stages; these stages are included and often useful to facilitate the changes).
Shock stage: Initial paralysis at hearing bad news.
Denial: Trying to avoid the inevitable.
Anger: Outpouring of contained emotions in frustration.
Bargaining: Seeking in vain for a way out.
Depression: Final realization of the inevitable.
Testing: Seeking realistic solutions.
Acceptance: Finally finding the way to move on.
The above sequence of stages can vary and change in many people. For instance, someone may remain in one stage for a very long duration or revert back to an earlier stage and go back and forth through the stages. This does happen and acceptance for many may not happen. This, of course, is dependent on a person's coping ability.

LIFE IS A MOMENT-TO-MOMENT PROCESS

Take every moment in your heart and mind and do the best you can with it. If you make a plan on how to deal with your stress/loss, you will find that you will be able to pick up and move on with your life much better than if you sit and mull over things without a clue as to "where to go from here".

Consult a family member, friend or even a counselor as soon as you can to help in the process of healing from something shocking or hurtful. If you cannot possibly handle your situation, call one of our doctors and let he/she help you right away.

Should you need a medicine, don't panic or feel it must be taken forever. You may only require a temporary medicinal aid, be it natural or a prescribed anti-anxiety or anti-depressant agent. It will all ultimately be your decision. The doctor can make suggestions and guide you but it will be a choice as to whether you feel it absolutely necessary to take a medicine. I have had many patients come in who just needed me to talk to and help make decisions with them without having a drug prescribed at all.

IT WILL ALL WORK OUT

We all will face hard or startling news in our lives. This is reality. Do not be so overwhelmed when you hear unfortunate stories daily. There are far too many things happening at every moment everywhere in this world so that no one individual can handle "all the news". As for your own personal experiences of loss, a mending process will happen even without your being conscience of it. The universe has an amazing intelligence for restoring and renewing the order of life. It is happening constantly! Every fraction of a second there is repair and regeneration of cells in all living creatures. Amazing.

IT'S UP TO YOU TO PICK UP THE PIECES

And to move on for the sake of you, your loved ones and the world about. Live with a forward direction to motivate yourself and those around you will respond to that positivity. The result will be that you can be happy and progressive.
YOU NEED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR MIND AND BODY
Why? To let life flow smoothly. If you would take time to get up and start your day with meditation, prayer and exercise, you will see a difference. Refresh yourself with a relaxing walk or jog outside. Let the beauty of nature surround you with her loving warmth or even cool and feel yourself rejuvenated.

Stretch out and move your muscles as much as you can to open up and release any tension that has built up inside. Hug yourself or anyone near you. Say hello to your neighbors or anyone you encounter. It will make a difference in your healing process. Don't close yourself up and forget that there is more ahead to be done. Do it and keep doing so that you will participate and have yourself fulfilled to your liking.

LET OTHERS HELP YOU

There is an old song by Barbra Streisand called "People" and when she sings, "People who need people are the luckiest people in the world" she's absolutely right. Connections are essential. Even if you say that you have "nobody" it does not mean this at all. Remember, you don't "possess" anyone so that all you need to do is call and ask for some help. You will get it. Yes, it is that simple. Do not hesitate to make contact with someone out there because that someone is WAITING for your contact! The universe takes care of things for sure. You will have something new come your way so don't despair.

LET THE DOCTOR HELP

As mentioned earlier, take this step if you think you can use the help. We are trained to examine and treat the emotional, psychological as well as the physical you. It is all inseparable to begin with, so it is a given that we should be able to help. You doc may be an MD, DO, DC (chiropractor), DA (acupuncturist), or any licensed professional who can provide you with methods/treatment plans to assist you in your difficult times. Emotional, psychological and physical pain are all interrelated and they all must be nurtured back to balance. Self-help books ,videos, dvds etc. can and should be consulted for additional helpful tips on what you can do to make your life more comfortable.

Take an apple a day and call us to help YOU. It will be okay.