Depression is usually the longest and most difficult stage of grief. Ironically, what brings us out of our depression is allowing ourselves to experience our very deepest sadness. We come to the place where we accept the loss, make some meaning of it, so our lives can move forward. Underneath grief there are neurological changes that take place in the brain. In fact, several regions of the brain play a role in emotion, including areas within the limbic system and prefrontal cortex. These involve emotional regulation, memory, multi-tasking, organization, and learning. When you’re grieving, a flood of neurochemicals and hormones dance around in your head. There can be a disruption in hormones that results in specific symptoms, such as disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, fatigue, and anxiety. When those symptoms converge, your brain function takes a hit. After all, if you’re overwhelmed with grief, it stands to reason that you won’t absorb your environment the same way you would when you are content. Let us help you help yourself.