What is Grief & Bereavement?
Grief is a natural response to loss, encompassing a range of emotions such as sadness, anger, guilt, and confusion.
Bereavement refers specifically to the period of mourning following the death of a loved one.
While grief is a universal experience, it manifests differently for each person, depending on personal circumstances, cultural background, and the nature of the loss.
Complicated Grief, also known as Prolonged Grief Disorder, occurs when the intense pain of loss does not lessen and continues to interfere with daily life.
What are the Symptoms of Grief & Bereavement?
Grief affects individuals emotionally, physically, and behaviourally.
Common symptoms include:
Emotional Symptoms: Intense sadness, longing, guilt, anger, numbness, or relief (in cases of prolonged suffering of the deceased).
Physical Symptoms: Fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, headaches, or muscle tension.
Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, intrusive thoughts about the loss.
Behavioural Symptoms: Social withdrawal, avoidance of reminders of the loss, or engaging in excessive work or distractions.
Most people gradually adapt to their loss over time, but for some, grief can become prolonged and debilitating.
Signs of Complicated Grief
Some people may ask: “how long is too long to grieve?” or “when should you get help for grief?“
It can be a difficult question to answer as it is sensitive and personal for each person. However, when grief remains intense and prolonged beyond six months to a year, it may be considered complicated grief, and a sign that it is time to seek support.
Symptoms of complicated grief include:
- Persistent, intense yearning for the deceased.
- Difficulty accepting the death and feeling “stuck” in grief.
- Avoidance of reminders of the loss or, conversely, an inability to move on.
- Feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, or a sense that life has lost meaning.
What is the Best Treatment for Grief?
Evidence-based interventions include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps manage distressing thoughts and develop coping mechanisms.
Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT): A structured approach for prolonged grief that interferes with daily life.
Narrative Therapy: Allows individuals to process their grief by telling their story in a therapeutic setting.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages individuals to acknowledge their grief while maintaining engagement in meaningful activities.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on the impact of loss on relationships and social functioning.
Group Therapy and Support Groups: Connecting with others experiencing loss can provide comfort and shared understanding.
Everyone experiences grief differently, but if your grief feels overwhelming, prolonged, or is significantly impacting your daily life, our clinic can help.
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