Introduction
Grief is a natural process that occurs after the loss of a loved one, and it can affect people in different ways. Some people may experience grief immediately after a loss, while others may experience it much later. Delayed grief, also known as prolonged grief disorder, is a type of grief that occurs weeks, months or even years after the loss. To learn more, seek help from the Counsellor Online at TalktoAngel.
What is Delayed Grief?
Delayed grief is a type of grief that occurs when someone experiences a loss but does not experience the full range of emotions associated with grief until weeks, months, or even years later. Delayed grief can occur for many reasons, including:
- Avoidance of grief: Sometimes, people may avoid experiencing grief immediately after a loss because it can be too overwhelming. They may put their emotions on hold and continue with their daily lives. However, this delayed grief can surface later when they least expect it.
- Trauma: Trauma can cause a delay in the grieving process. If a person experiences a traumatic event or witnesses the death of a loved one, they may suppress their emotions in an attempt to cope. However, these emotions can resurface later and result in delayed grief.
- Complicated grief: Some people may experience complicated grief, which is characterized by an intense and prolonged period of grief that does not diminish over time. This type of grief can also result in delayed grief, as the person may not fully experience their emotions until later.
Signs and Symptoms of Delayed Grief
Delayed grief can manifest in different ways, and it can be challenging to recognize. Here are some signs and symptoms of delayed grief:
- Emotional numbness: People may experience a sense of emotional numbness and detachment from their surroundings, which can affect their daily lives.
- Anger and irritability: People may experience feelings of anger and irritability towards themselves, others or the deceased.
- Guilt: People may feel guilty for not grieving earlier, for not doing enough for the deceased, or for not being able to prevent the loss.
- Anxiety and depression: People may experience symptoms of anxiety and depression, including feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness.
- Physical symptoms: People may experience physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and gastrointestinal problems.
Impact of Delayed Grief on Mental Health
It can have a significant impact on mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Research conducted from 2020-2022 supports this notion and sheds light on the impact of delayed grief on mental health.
A study conducted in 2021 by Motta, Tavares, and Souza aimed to evaluate the prevalence of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) and its impact on mental health. The study found that individuals with PGD had higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as lower levels of social support. The researchers concluded that PGD can have a significant impact on mental health and recommended that individuals with PGD should receive proper care and support.
Another study conducted in 2020 by Karlović, Celić, and Jukić aimed to evaluate the prevalence of prolonged grief disorder and its relationship with anxiety and depression in a sample of Croatian war veterans. The study found that veterans with PGD had higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to those without PGD. The researchers concluded that PGD is prevalent among war veterans and can have a significant impact on mental health, highlighting the need for proper diagnosis and treatment.
In 2021, a study conducted by Wang, Xue, and Liu aimed to evaluate the relationship between complicated grief and suicidal ideation. The study found that individuals with complicated grief had higher levels of suicidal ideation, indicating that complicated grief can have a significant impact on mental health, leading to suicidal ideation. The researchers concluded that proper diagnosis and treatment of complicated grief are essential to prevent suicidal ideation and improve mental health outcomes.
Moreover, a review article published in 2020 by Haller, Horesh, and Brown provided an overview of the impact of prolonged grief disorder on mental health, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The authors emphasized the importance of early recognition and treatment of PGD to prevent negative mental health outcomes.
Online Counselling and Therapy for Delayed Grief
Online counselling and therapy can be an effective way to manage delayed grief. Online counselling and therapy offer several advantages, including accessibility, flexibility, and affordability. People can access online counselling and therapy from the comfort of their homes and at a time that is convenient for them.
Online counselling and therapy can help people with delayed grief by providing them with a safe space to process their emotions. Counsellors and therapists can help people identify their emotions, understand their grief, and develop coping strategies. Online counselling and therapy can also provide people with a sense of community and support, which can be helpful in managing grief.
Conclusion
Delayed grief is a type of grief that occurs weeks, months, or even years after a loss. It can be caused by avoidance of grief, trauma, or complicated grief. Delayed grief can manifest in different ways, including emotional numbness, anger and irritability, guilt, anxiety, depression, and physical symptoms. Delayed grief can have a significant impact on mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. However, online counselling and therapy can be an effective way to manage delayed grief, providing people with a safe space to process their emotions and develop coping strategies. It is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of delayed grief and seek support to prevent it from negatively impacting mental and physical health.
For more information, feel free to connect with the best Psychologist near me at TalktoAngel.
