IChooseHealth

10/10/2021

Complicated Grief

There are times when grief does not progress as expected; the intensity and duration of grief is prolonged and dramatically interferes with a person’s ability to function. Symptoms of depression and anxiety may be prevalent and prolonged. Thoughts, feelings, behaviors and reactions may seem to persist over long periods of time with little change or improvement. In these situations, it is important to seek help from a qualified professional who can assess your individual situation and make recommendations that will help. It is important to seek help; complicated grief does not subside on its own.

10/10/2021

Sudden Loss

Grief experienced after a sudden, unexpected death is different from anticipatory mourning. Sudden, unexpected loss may exceed the coping abilities of a person, which often results in feelings of being overwhelmed and/or unable to function. Even though one may be able to acknowledge that loss has occurred, the full impact of loss may take much longer to fully comprehend than in the case of an expected loss.

10/10/2021

Anticipatory Mourning

When a person or family is expecting death, it is normal to begin to anticipate how one will react and cope when that person eventually dies. Many family members will try to envision their life without that person and mentally play out possible scenarios, which may include grief reactions and ways they will mourn and adjust after the death.
Anticipatory mourning includes feelings of loss, concern for the dying person, balancing conflicting demands and preparing for death. Anticipatory mourning is a natural process that enables the family more time to slowly prepare for the reality of the loss. People are often able to complete unfinished “business” with the dying person (for example, saying “good-bye,” “I love you,” or “I forgive you”).

10/10/2021

Navigate through Disenfranchised Grief Maze!

What to Know About Disenfranchised Grief

Grief is the emotional process you experience after losing something or someone important to you. Many people think of grief as a period of intense sadness after a loved one dies, but it can look different for everyone. Disenfranchised grief is when society doesn't validate your own grief.

What is Disenfranchised Grief?

Disenfranchised grief is when your grieving doesn’t fit in with your larger society’s attitude about dealing with death and loss. The lack of support you get during your grieving process can prolong emotional pain.

10/10/2021

While accelerated the use of digital platforms, millions of girls in remain disconnected.

Let's work to bridge the so that every child has access to technology, no matter where they live, for equal learning opportunities.

10/10/2021

10/10/2021

Why Choose Health?

Location
We are in Marondera which is one of Zimbabwe's less populated town with an abundance of Msasa trees.

Service
We are efficient, affordable and proffessional.

Research
We dedicate our resources towards new research, therapy and intervention methods in order to stay relevant.

10/10/2021

Children and Adolescents.
Since the onset of COVID-19, children and adolescents have been affected in many different ways, depending on the context in which they live.
Measures taken around the country to contain the virus such as the closure of schools, parks and playgrounds, self-isolation, lockdown and physical distancing have all had a direct impact on the well-being of children and adolescents.
As a result, this group has been exposed to multiple losses. They may have experienced a loss of daily routines, including not being able to attend school. They may not have been able to move around freely in their neighbourhood to play with friends.
They may not have been with other members of their family or other significant people for a long time.
Some children and adolescents may also have been at risk of violence under the current circumstances. Many children and adolescents may also have been affected by the death of loved ones.
This is a tremendous loss to this group and can be deeply distressing. Their grief processes and reactions will vary significantly depending on the nature of the attachment they had with the person who died, their age, their previous life experiences, as well as other individual and cultural factors.
The loss of daily structures and routines can make it more difficult for a child to cope with this type of loss. In these circumstances, it is essential that the child receives loving and consistent care from a parent, a relative or a carer who they trust and know well.
It is very important that clear, honest and age appropriate explanations about the death of their loved one are shared so they can accept the reality of the loss and cope with it positively. Choose Health.

10/10/2021

Current data across our country indicate that older people face a higher risk of getting severe COVID-19 disease than other population groups.
The risk of severe disease gradually increases with age. Death rates reported in Zimbabwe show a significant increase in mortality from age 65, the highest death toll being reached beyond the age of 75.
A large percentage of older people’s deaths are taking place in homes with no care.
Being particularly at risk, older people have been greatly affected by the loss of health and sense of safety during this crisis. Isolation and lock down measures may in some countries be stricter for this age group than for the rest of the population, thus they experience significant loss of freedom to move and reduced levels of independence which may be very difficult to cope with.
Loss of close contact with relatives, friends and other significant people in their lives may increase feelings of isolation and distress. The possible loss of a partner, of relatives and/or acquaintances who also belong to this at-risk age group may increase older persons’ perceived vulnerability and fear of death. The fragility of their support systems and a reduction in a sense of self-efficacy may then lead to complicated grief processes.
They used to enjoy the same things and visited the same places. One of them still can continue with his/her interests even after the death of a partner. Choose Health.

10/10/2021

Life does not have to stop with the death of a loved one. Call Choose Health and choose life after a tragic event.

10/10/2021

Cultural Bereavement.
Cultural bereavement is the experience of an uprooted person or group resulting from loss of social structures, cultural values and self-identity. Those affected may continue to live in the past, suffering feelings of guilt over abandoning culture or homeland, feeling pain when memories of the past begin to fade, but finding constant images of the past including traumatic images intruding into daily life, yearning to complete obligations to the dead and feeling stricken by anxieties, morbid thoughts and anger that mar the ability to get on with daily life. It is not in itself a disease but an understandable response to catastrophic loss of social structure and culture. Choose Health.

10/10/2021

Loss and grief during COVID-19

Multiple losses can occur simultaneously, particularly during major crisis events. The COVID-19 pandemic is currently affecting people within and outside Zimbabwe in many different
ways. It is a major crisis event, exposing the world to significant challenges. As a consequence, many people have experienced multiple losses. Although the impact of these losses will depend on individual characteristics and the local context, a pattern of commonly shared losses can be identif i ed as a consequence of COVID-19. These include:
• Loss of physical health as a result of being infected by the virus or because of challenges in accessing health services to address other medical conditions • Loss of psychosocial well-being by experiencing distress, fear, sadness and anxiety • Loss of sense of control as a result of the unpredictability and uncertainty which characterises the current crisis • Loss of social support when access to loved ones and support networks are restricted by physical distancing and isolation • Loss of loved ones who have died after contracting the virus or as a result of other circumstances during the crisis • Loss of spiritual comfort as a result of faith groups not being able to gather or if questioning one’s faith • Loss of routines due to isolation and lockdown measures preventing people from going to school or work or from having day to day interactions and social gatherings • Loss of liberty as a result of restrictions on freedom of movement, gathering and other basic liberties in order to contain the spread of the virus • Loss of livelihoods as a result of losing employment and main sources of income.

10/10/2021

How Long Is Too Long to Mourn?

There’s no “normal” amount of time to grieve. Your grieving process depends on a number of things, like your personality, age, beliefs, and support network. The type of loss is also a factor. For example, chances are you’ll grieve longer and harder over the sudden death of a loved one than, say, the end of a romantic relationship.
With time, the sadness eases. You’ll be able to feel happiness and joy along with grief. You’ll be able to return to your daily life.

10/10/2021

Grief is a natural response to losing someone or something that’s important to you. You may feel a variety of emotions, like sadness or loneliness. And you might experience it for a number of different reasons. Maybe a loved one died, a relationship ended, or you lost your job. Other life changes, like chronic illness or a move to a new home, can also lead to grief.
Everyone grieves differently. But if you understand your emotions, take care of yourself, and seek support, you can heal.

10/10/2021

The loss of a child, regardless of how old you or the child is, is one of the worst things that can happen. No-one will be able to tell you exactly how it feels because everyone reacts and feels differently. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. The experience of grief can involve a range of feelings, including numbness, disbelief, anger, guilt, sadness, emptiness, relief and denial. Feelings can be so mixed up that you might wonder if you are going mad, or if you will ever be able to enjoy life again. This is a perfectly normal reaction to the range of emotions involved.