Going through the process of losing someone you love, could be very painful and distressing, which is what a good number of people go through when this happens to them. People who experience grief and bereavement, usually have moments of sorrow, anger and guilt. These feelings actually fade off over times, as individuals involved would accept the loss and move on with their lives.
However, for some people, this feeling of loss could be extremely devastating, and their condition does not improve over time. This condition is known as complicated grief, which could also be referred to as complex bereavement disorder.
For complicated grief, the emotions are so painful and long lasting, that the individual would have issues recovering from the loss and going on with his or her life. Complicated grief keeps the individual in a continuous and increased state of mourning which prevents healing.
Below are the common symptoms for complicated grief:
Extreme sorrow and pain over the loss of a loved one
Little focus on everything which goes on around you
Intense longing for the dead
Problems coming to terms with the death
Numbness
Extreme bitterness
Finding no purpose or meaning in life
Lack of trust in anyone
Inability to enjoy life to the fullest
Personal death wish
Depression and guilt
Isolation from family and friends
There are some strategies which can help you triumph over grief and loss, and they are listed below:
Sticking to the treatment plan
Practice stress management
Proper care of yourself
Surrounding yourself with the faith community
Socialization
Learning new skills
Belong to a support group
Grief and loss is most times treated with a form of psychotherapy which is known as Complicated Grief Therapy, and the techniques employed are similar to that used for depression and PTSD.
During this therapy session, the individual would learn more about grief and how it could get complicated. Also, there are certain topics which would be treated, that would enable you accept your loss and carry on with life.
You would also be able to communicate better with people, and explore certain emotions and thoughts. Furthermore, the feelings of guilt and blame would be reduced.
There is no much research on the use of Medications to treat grief, however, antidepressants can be used for people who are clinically depressed.
