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Grief Causes and Risks:
Grief refers to the emotions and feelings experienced after the loss of a loved one, usually through death, but also from ending a relationship. Everyone experiences grief in their own way ,but generally there are recognized stages to the process of mourning. It starts at the recognition of a loss and extends to the eventual acceptance of it. Responses will vary depending upon the circumstances associated with the death. For example, if the deceased suffered from a chronic illness, the death may have been anticipated, and may even come as a relief of suffering. If the death was accidental or violent, coming to a stage of acceptance may take longer.
Refusing to deal with the loss of a loved one, or being unable to face the loss, may cause an absent grief reaction. Grief not expressed openly comes out in other ways, such as physical symptoms or erratic behavior, or is displaced onto other persons.
Prevention:
Grief is an essential response to loss that should not be prevented.
Symptoms:
- shock
- disbelief
- numbness
- fear
- anger
- depression
- acceptance
Signs and Tests:
- prolonged depression may be present
- physiological signs of depression may be present
Treatment:
Emotional support for the grieving process is usually provided by family and friends. Sometimes outside factors can influence the normal grieving process, and outside help from clergy, social workers, mental health specialists, or self help groups may be indicated. Grief may extend a year or longer. Psychological counseling may benefit a person suffering from absent grief reaction, or from depression associated with grieving.
Support Groups:
The stress of grieving can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See loss of a child - support group or loss of a spouse - support group .
Prognosis:
Grieving may take a year or longer to overcome strong feelings associated with loss and to reach acceptance.
Complications:
Grief and loss can have an adverse effect on overall health. It can contribute to depression or excessive use of alcohol or drugs. Major depression is also a complication
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if you are unable to deal with grief, are using excessive amounts of drugs or alcohol, become severely depressed, or have prolong depression that interferes with your daily functioning.
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