Introduction
Did you know?
Complicated grief is a syndrome that affects 10% to 20% of all bereaved, regardless of age?
At times, one might fail to overcome the sense of grief even after six to eight months of the bereavement. This is Complicated grief.
Select each icon to explore the factors that can contribute to complicated grief.
Select ‘Other factors’ to explore few more causes that can contribute to Complicated grief.Complicated Grief: Symptoms
People with complicated grief often suffer from mental and physical symptoms. A sufferer may experience some or all the following symptoms.
Select each tile to reveal the symptoms.
Timeline
Symptoms lasting for six to twelve months or more.
Sense of disbelief
The bereaved still finds it hard to believe the death has happened. Whilst denial may be beneficial in the short term, this sense of disbelief will stop the bereaved person from learning to live with their new reality in the long run.
Physical pain
The bereaved feels persistent pain without an evident injury.
Preoccupation with the deceased
The thoughts of the deceased keep coming back to the person’s mind. This can lead to the sensation that the departed is somewhere near or will return soon.
Recurrent images of the deceased
Some owners report that they see their departed pet even when they close their eyes.
Avoiding reminders of the death
The owner avoids reminders of the pet’s death. He or she takes a new route to avoid the sight of a favourite park or the vet’s clinic where the pet was euthanised.
Inability to enjoy life
Bereaved pet owners often find it difficult to find happiness in life. Alternatively, the owner may feel guilty about ‘being happy’.
Loss of purpose/Hopelessness
At times, it takes considerably more energy to complete normal tasks. The bereaved experiences a constant feeling of apathy.
Shattered self-identity
Failure to assimilate the loss can create an identity crisis:
- “What am I supposed to do if I cannot look after my cat?”
- “What will I do with the extra time I now have, now that I do not need to walk the dog?”
Grief Impacts Many Areas of the Bereaved’s Life
Grief affects us all in several ways, which can impact all other aspects of our lives and routines. We can categorise the way grief affects us socially, physically, cognitively, emotionally and spiritually.
Select the PDF icon to explore each way that grief affects us.
Internal/External Complicating Factors
Please identify how complicated grief can affect your patients.
Select the relevant options and submit.
Diagnosis of Complicated Grief
Knowing when normal grief becomes complicated grief can be difficult. Mental health professionals do not have an agreed definition or timescale that determines when the change from grief to complicated grief happens. There are no identifiable biological causes. Like depression, Complicated grief may occur because:
- A genetic predisposition
- Body chemistry
- Personality
- Environment
If you believe your client is at risk of complicated grief, the best support you can offer is to suggest they seek medical advice on clear diagnosis and treatment.
Complicated Grief and Depression
Whilst complicated grief is different from depression, sufferers may experience similar symptoms. It is important to note that treatments are different. If an individual has previously had depression, then complicated grief can cause additional symptoms. These may include:
Feelings of emptiness and constant sadness
Anxiety and guilt – particularly if the pet has been euthanised
Insomnia
Physical pain
Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Complicated Grief and Depression
Now, let us go through the difference between complicated grief and depression.
Select the following button to compare between complicated grief and depression.
- Loss of interest or pleasure related to missing a loving family member
- Strong emotions triggered by reminders of loss
- Preoccupation with the deceased; guilt and self-blame
- Avoidance of activities, situations and people because of the death
- Intrusive images of the deceased are common
- Yearning and longing are frequent
- Pervasive loss of interest or pleasure
- Pervasive dysphoric mood across situations
- Preoccupation with low self-esteem; a general sense of guilt or shame
- General withdrawal from activities and people
- Intrusive images are not prominent
- Yearning for a loved one not usually seen
Helping Clients Suffering from Complicated Grief
Undertake the following steps if you believe that a client is suffering or at risk of complicated grief:
Select the PDF icon to reveal the steps.
Complicated Grief Scenario: Activity
Tyson is a 7-year-old white English Bull Terrier. He wears a studded collar. His owner’s name is Darren who works long hours as a scaffolder. Tyson has been treated for Lymphoma. His treatment has been expensive. But he has crossed the point where a possible treatment can help him. Darren has consulted the vet, and it has been agreed that he will have Tyson euthanised.
At the vet’s, Darren explains that Tyson always accompanies him to work. He also mentions that he is planning to bury the dog in the local park, which is Tyson’s favourite spot. Darren explains that he would have confided in his best mate, but he isn’t on speaking terms since his mate ran off with his girlfriend.
Darren looks anxious as he says that he cannot cope with Tyson’s illness and suffering anymore. He continues saying that he has lost his nerve for scaffolding and cannot carry on at work anymore when Tyson is gone. He sits down heavily on a chair in the corner of the waiting room holding his head in his hands and starts sobbing helplessly.
Complicated Grief Scenario: Activity
What are the complicating factors that might influence the grief process for Darren?
Select the correct option and submit.
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