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Feeling really sad and longing for the person or thing you've lost
Getting frustrated or angry about the situation
Dealing with feelings of guilt or regret, thinking about what you could've done differently
Feeling exhausted all the time, even if you're getting enough sleep
Changes in your appetite – eating more or less than usual
Struggling to get a good night's sleep, whether it's trouble falling asleep or waking up a lot during the night
Pulling away from social activities and preferring to be alone
Finding it hard to focus or concentrate on tasks
Getting more easily irritated or snapping at people, even over small things
Grief can affect your
physical and mental health
The 5 stages of grief are
denial, anger, bargaining,
depression, and acceptance
About 9% of Australians
deal with prolonged grief
disorder
Grief can lead to a 20%
increase in doctor visits due
to physical health issues
related to stress
Losing someone close can hit hard, and while most people find their sadness eases over time, some face a tougher road with prolonged grief disorder. This condition affects around 7%-10% of adults and 5%-10% of kids and teens who’ve lost a loved one.
Prolonged grief disorder isn’t just feeling sad for a long time; it’s when grief gets intense and sticks around, making everyday life a struggle. Symptoms include being constantly caught up in thoughts of the person who’s passed, feeling emotionally numb, and finding it tough to get back into the swing of things.
Certain things can up the chances of developing prolonged grief disorder, like age, previous battles with depression or bipolar disorder, and sudden or traumatic losses. If you’ve been a caregiver or had a partner to care for, that can also increase your risk.
Luckily, the DSM-5-TR (the latest update) now has clear guidelines for diagnosing prolonged grief disorder. This helps clinicians separate it from normal grief and offer the right support.
When it comes to treatment, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a go-to. It helps you accept the loss while rebuilding your life and finding new meaning and happiness without your loved one. Complicated grief treatment, a specific type of CBT, focuses on processing the loss and learning to live without them.
Support groups are also a big help. They provide a place to connect with others who understand and can offer support and comfort. This can make a huge difference in feeling less alone and coping better.
While there aren’t specific medicines for grief itself, therapies like CBT can also help with related issues, such as sleep problems, which are common with prolonged grief disorder.
Even with effective treatments available, many people don’t seek help. It could be because of stigma around mental health or not knowing what’s out there. But raising awareness and making support more accessible are steps in the right direction.
Understanding prolonged grief disorder is crucial. By knowing the signs, risks, and treatments, we can better support those going through it and help them find their way through one of life’s toughest challenges.
*Source: Prolonged Grief Disorder – American Psychiatric Association
Keep a regular routine. Maintaining a sense of structure can provide stability during this uncertain time.
Stay active with physical exercise. Exercise not only helps your physical health but can also lift your mood and reduce stress.
Try mindfulness and meditation. These practices can help you stay grounded and manage overwhelming emotions.