Grief is a sentiment that can take many years to subside.
Grief can be triggered by the upcoming holidays, anniversaries, birthdays and other significant dates.
Grief is an emotion that one feels after the recent death/loss of someone they care about.
Grief can be a complex emotion depending on the level of the relationship.
Most experience an array of emotions such as anger, resentment, sadness, peace, anxiety and even relief.
Grief is an emotion that can affect people of all ages, however the symptoms they experience may differ. Untreated grief symptoms can turn into major depression, anxiety, panic attacks and even sleep disturbances.
Depending on the death, it can reintroduce the client into the traumatic event.
So what does that mean?
Well, it means that grief takes time to heal but, sometimes you need extra support. Having a safe person to talk to like your primary care doctor is not a bad idea. They may refer you to a counselor or even a grief counseling group. It is important to understand your emotional state of mind. No one knows you better than yourself.
Prevalence
The National Alliance for Children’s Grief reports that “An estimated 6 million children in the U.S. will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18 (2023)”.
It can be difficult for children to understand where their loved one went. Depending on their developmental age, you may have to communicate with them at their level of understanding.
Untreated grief symptoms can turn into a Complicated Grief
Complicated Grief is the prolonged sense of loss that inhibits your ability to perform your daily tasks. What’s the difference? Well for one, the symptoms of complicated grief are slightly different.
According to the Mayo Clinic (2022), the symptoms of complicated grief are the following:
- Have trouble carrying out normal routines
- Isolate from others and withdraw from social activities
- Experience depression, deep sadness, guilt or self-blame
- Believe that you did something wrong or could have prevented the death
- Feel life isn’t worth living without your loved one
- Wish you had died along with your loved one
Complicated grief can lead to serious health complications
Once you are completely submerged into it, it can take over your ability to perform daily tasks. It is vital that you seek immediate help at the first sign of distress.
Grief itself is a normal experience, however letting it take over can have a negative impact on your physical health.
The Cleveland Clinic (2023) notes the following complications of Complicated Grief:
- Depression
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder
Grief can be a very painful process to overcome.
Before it gets worse, talk to your primary care doctor about some possible treatment plans.
On the back of most insurance cards contains a number in which they can connect you with mental health services within your community.
There is a lot of stigma against therapy, but there is no shame in getting help when you need it.
You have to advocate for yourself in order to heal within yourself. Grief counseling serves millions of people worldwide.
In conclusion
Grief is a normal human emotion and it is okay to miss your loved one. The purpose of this reading is to remind readers that grief should not take over your life.
You are allowed to experience happiness and joy whenever you can.
The purpose of this article is to remind you to do self check-ins.
When you feel like you need extra support, listen to your gut.
Your instincts are there to guide you.
This post was written by Jasmine P., and published by Convenient Counseling Services.
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References
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022c, December 13). Complicated grief. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/complicated-grief/symptoms-causes/syc-20360374
Cleveland Clinic. (2023a). Complicated grief (prolonged grief). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24951-complicated-grief
The National Alliance for Children’s Grief . (2023, April 18). Data & Statistics: Childhood Bereavement: A Critical Issue. NACG. https://nacg.org/data-statistics/
