overview
Losing a loved one is one of the most painful and, unfortunately, most common experiences people face. Most people who experience normal grief and grief go through a period of sadness, numbness, and even guilt and anger. Gradually these feelings of ease and it is possible to accept the loss and move on.
- For some people, feelings of loss are debilitating and don’t even improve over time. This is known as Complicated Bereavement, which is sometimes referred to as Complex Persistent Grief Disorder. In complicated grief, the painful emotions are so lingering and severe that it is difficult for you to recover from the loss and get on with your life.
Different people go different ways through the grieving experience. The order and timing of these phases can vary from person to person:
- Accept the reality of your loss
- Allow yourself to feel the pain of your loss
- Adaptation to a new reality in which the deceased is no longer present
- Have other relationships
symptom
In the first few months after losing, many of the signs and symptoms of normal grief are the same as those of complex grief. While the normal symptoms of grief gradually decrease over time, the symptoms of complicated grief persist or worsen. Complicated grief is like a continuous and aggravated state of grief that prevents you from healing.
Signs and symptoms of complicated grief can include:
- Intense sadness, pain, and rumination after losing a loved one
- Do not focus on anything but the death of your loved one
- Extreme focus on memories of loved ones or excessive avoidance of memories
- Intense and persistent desire for the deceased
- Problems with accepting death
- Numbness or detachment
- Bitterness over your loss
- Feel that life has no meaning or purpose
- Lack of trust in others
- Inability to enjoy life or rethink positive experiences with your loved one
The reasons
We do not know what causes complicated heartache. As with many mental disorders, it can be about your environment, personality, inherited traits, and the natural chemical makeup of your body.
Risk factors
Complicated bereavement is more common in women and with older age. Factors that can increase your risk of complex grief include:
- An unexpected or violent death, such as the death of a car accident or the murder or suicide of a loved one
- Death of a child
- Close or dependent relationship with the deceased
- Social isolation or loss of a support system or friendships
- History of depression, separation anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Traumatic childhood experiences such as abuse or neglect
- Other important stressors in life, such as B. Big financial difficulties
Prevention
They don’t know how to avoid complicated heartache. Counseling soon after a loss can be helpful, especially for people at increased risk of developing complicated grief. Additionally, end-of-life caregivers can benefit from advice and support in preparing for death and its emotional aftermath.
- Speaking of which. If you talk about your grief and allow yourself to cry, you can’t get stuck in your sadness either. As painful as it sounds, you know that in most cases, your pain will go away if you allow yourself to feel it.
- Support. Family members, friends, social support groups, and your faith community are good options for dealing with your grief. You may find a support group that focuses on a specific type of loss, such as: B. the death of a spouse or a child. Ask your doctor to recommend local resources.
- Advice on bereavement. With early counseling after a loss, you can explore the emotions surrounding your loss and develop healthy coping skills. It can help prevent negative thoughts and beliefs from becoming so powerful that they are difficult to overcome.