Grief is a personal experience unique to the individual, there is no set timeline or right way to grieve…

Normal grief is temporary and symptoms may include, crying or sobbing, feelings of anger, guilt, loneliness, emptiness and sadness. A person may also feel lethargic or apathetic about life, sleep problems, changes in appetite, withdrawing from usual social interactions and relationships, difficulty concentrating on important tasks, questioning life choices, spiritual or religious beliefs.

Normal grief usually resolves over time with the support of family or friends and usual coping strategies, with no professional help necessary. However, when grieving continues to be intense, persistent and debilitating over a prolonged period of time, and interferes with a person’s daily functioning (work, relationships, self care), this may be an indication that normal grief has become complicated.

Symptoms of complicated grief may include feeling stuck, unable to move forward, difficulty accepting the loss, inability to experience positive emotions or find joy in activities, sleeping problems, intense sorrow, anger, bitterness, intrusive thoughts and images related to the loss, avoidance of reminders of the loss, social withdrawal or isolation, difficulty connecting with others, feelings of emptiness, lack of meaning and purpose.

Complicated grief may develop as a result of sudden or traumatic loss, multiple losses, unresolved relationship issues, personal vulnerabilities, ineffective coping strategies, lack of support and a history of trauma.

If any of the above resonates with you and you are seeking an empathic counsellor to help you navigate the complexities of grief and promote healing, click here to book a session.