The Impact of Complicated Grief on Mental Health
Grief is a natural, normal way to process loss in our lives. Over time, most people find ways to adjust and move forward, coping with grief in healthy ways. However, for some, grief becomes persistent, overwhelming, and relentless. It can feel like it is taking over their daily lives and significantly impacting their well-being. This intense, prolonged form of grief is known as complicated grief, and it can have dire effects on mental health.
What is Complicated Grief?
Complicated grief, also referred to as Prolonged Grief Disorder, is characterized by an intense and chronic yearning for the loss, experiencing profound emotional pain, and difficulty accepting the loss. Unlike typical grief, which gradually diminishes over time, complicated grief can persist for months or even years, and its symptoms may intensify throughout this period.
Symptoms of Complicated Grief
These symptoms go beyond the usual responses to death and loss, and they include:
Persistent longing for and preoccupation with the loss
Avoidance of any reminders of the loss
Difficulty with acceptance
Intense sadness and emotional despair
Feeling numb or detached from reality
Anger or bitterness
Inability to find meaning or purpose in life
Social withdrawal and isolation
Physical symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite
Some individuals may believe they did something wrong or could have done something differently to prevent the loss. They can struggle with intense feelings of guilt and shame, and may even wish they were no longer here.
Impact on Mental Health
1. Increased Risk for Anxiety and Depression
Complicated grief often occurs alongside major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety. The intense emotional pain and the inability to find relief can cause severe depression, including symptoms of persistent sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest in activities. Anxiety symptoms, such as excessive worrying or panic attacks, may also be common as individuals struggle to cope with overwhelming emotions and uncertainties following the loss.
2. Impaired Daily Functioning
The suffocating feeling of sorrow and preoccupation with the loss can significantly impair an individual's ability to function in daily life. Work performance, maintaining responsibilities, relationships, and self-care routines may suffer, leading to a lower quality of life. The emotional toll of complicated grief can make even the most mundane tasks seem like the most difficult things in the world.
3. Social Isolation
Individuals experiencing this form of intense grief often withdraw from social interactions, either because they feel like a burden, feel misunderstood, or find it difficult to engage in activities that once brought them joy. Social isolation can increase feelings of loneliness and despair, ultimately enhancing the complicated grief.
4. Physical Health Risks
Along with complicated grief comes stress. Chronic stress can manifest into physical health problems, especially if left unmanaged. Stress weakens the immune system, increases blood pressure, and contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, the physical symptoms of grief, such as sleep disturbances and appetite changes, can further put physical health at risk.
5. Risk of Substance Abuse
Some individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to numb their emotional pain. This negative form of coping can lead to addiction or other substance use disorders, causing additional mental and physical barriers. The reliance on substances can also prolong the grieving process and make the period of suffering seem endless.
Seeking Help: The Importance of Professional Support
Recognizing the signs of complicated grief and seeking help is crucial for healing. Psychotherapy, particularly Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and grief counseling, can be effective in helping individuals process their loss and develop healthy coping strategies. Support groups, and in some cases, medication, may also play a role in managing symptoms and improving mental health. If you find yourself struggling with long-term grief, seek help and assistance from a mental health professional. Reach out to us to learn more about therapy for grief.
