The loss of a loved one is difficult to handle, but most people ease out of grief over time. The pain becomes more bearable with each passing month, and symptoms of becoming less severe. However, some people go through a prolonged period known as complicated grief. In this case, the feeling of grief does not subside and can last for years without treatment.
Here we will explain what complicated grief is and how grief counseling could help you through this process.
What Classifies As “Complicated Grief”?
Complicated grief typically describes any grief lasting longer than a year. There are exceptions to this, but most people will see some relief in their grief symptoms after a year has passed. A person with complicated grief may feel isolated from the rest of the world, struggling to go through daily routines or complete simple tasks.
Symptoms Of Complicated Grief
Complicated grief symptoms are similar to traditional grief symptoms, but they may last longer or become more intense. With complicated grief, you may feel:
- Difficulty focusing on anything but the loss of your loved one
- Difficulty trusting others or opening up about your feelings
- Intense focus on your loved one’s belongings, pictures, videos, memories, life, and death
- Ongoing pain and sorrow
- Trouble enjoying positive events
- Inability to socialize
- Bitterness and defensiveness about your loss
Simply put, complicated grief may cause you to hyper-focus on your loss, preventing you from moving forward with your life. Grief counseling can help you find a balance between mourning and enjoying the time you still have left to live, all in honor of your loved one.
People Most At Risk Of Complicated Grief
Anyone can experience complicated grief, but it is more common for people who lose a close relative, such as a spouse, child, or close-in-age sibling. Complicated grief may also occur if the person’s death was the result of suicide or sudden trauma. If the loved one was ill for a long time, the person in mourning will have more time to process the possibility of death, thus making the grieving process easier. People who experience multiple losses at the same time are more at risk of complicated grief because their minds do not have a break to process each loss individually.
Getting Help Through Complicated Grief Counseling
Grief counseling can help you overcome the symptoms of complicated grief and live a fuller life. Your counselor will give you tools and techniques to process your loss and pull yourself out of isolation. Perspectives Of Troy Counseling Centers provide specialized grief counseling in Michigan. One of our compassionate counselors would be happy to work with you.