Complicated Grief
When a person is experiencing a complicated or an acute grief response it is much like having a physical illness. It's important to be aware of these symptoms so you don't think you are going crazy or dying yourself from an unknown disease. These symptoms will pass as you work through your grief.
Emotional Symptoms: Complicated and Acute Grief
Sadness
Anger Irritability Relief Anxiety Panic Meaninglessness |
Apathy
Numbness Abandonment Helplessness Emotionally labile Vulnerability Self Blame |
Fear
Guilt Longing Loneliness Apathy Disbelief Denial |
Social Symptoms: Complicated and Acute Grief
Overly sensitive
Dependent
Withdrawn Avoid others Lack of initiative |
Lack of interest
Hyperactive Under active Relationship difficulties Lowered self esteem |
Behavioral Symptoms: Acute, Complicated Grief
Forgetfulness
Difficulty concentrating Slowed thinking Sense of Unreality Wandering aimlessly Feeling trance-like |
Feelings of unreality
Feelings of emptiness
Dreams of the deceased Searching for the deceased Sense the loved one's presence Hallucinations of the deceased, sensing their presence (visual or auditory) |
Your body grieves too
Because we sense that we are in danger, the body mobilizes to protect itself from the intruder or, if that’s not possible, to escape to safety. But loss is no hostile tribe that we can guard the camp against; nor is it an enemy that we can run from. Therefore we are caught in a state of tension. Our brain has stimulated us to take action; but, since we cannot undo the loss there is at this moment no action we can take. We are, therefore, held taut. This means that our bodies are under enormous stress. (Excerpt from Seven Choices by Elizabeth Harper Neeld)
Physical Symptoms: of Complicated or Acute Grief
Fatigue
Trouble initiating or maintaining sleep Chest heaviness or pain Shortness of breath Tightness in the throat Palpitations Nausea |
Diarrhea
Constipation Abdominal pain Back pain Headache Lightheaded |
Dizziness
Change in appetite Weight change Hair Loss Crying, sighing Restlessness |
Complicated grief establishes itself over the course several months and can become very serious. It can interfere drastically with the person's daily life. However, someone in this state is likely to be oblivious, quite unable to recognize his or her condition. Or, someone suffering from unresolved grief may be able to see the problem, but be unable to take steps to address it. A friend, doctor or family member may be needed to intervene so as to persuade the person that therapy is required and to guide them towards help. Counseling for complicated grief gives the mourners practical ways to slowly deal with their loss, while still maintaining a healthy life.
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