The loss of a loved one can bring about a natural response of grief, but it’s important to be aware of how it may impact your mental health. Recognizing the signs can empower you to take care of your emotional well-being as you navigate the grieving process.
Here are some ways in which grief can affect you and when it might indicate a deeper issue.
Grief versus Depression
Grief and depression can have similar symptoms like crying, anger, and changes in eating and sleeping habits, but they are distinct from each other. There are key differences between the two:
- Cause: Grief has a specific cause, whereas depression does not.
- Self-esteem: Grief usually doesn’t impact self-worth, unlike depression which often does.
- Emotional response: Grief can coexist with positive memories; depression typically does not.
- Pleasure: Moments of happiness can still be experienced during grief, which is harder to find in depression.
- Duration: Feelings of grief tend to lessen over time, while depression symptoms may persist or worsen.
If you find yourself struggling with grief, there are various organizations that offer support. In some cases, grief can evolve into major depressive disorder, necessitating professional help. Therapy and medications like SSRIs can assist in managing both grief and depression.
Prolonged Grief Disorder
While prolonged feelings of grief are normal, if they continue to dominate your life after a year, you may have prolonged grief disorder or complicated grief. To be diagnosed with this disorder, certain criteria must be met.
• Have lost a loved one 12 or more months ago.
• Intensely long for them and/or be preoccupied by thoughts of them nearly every day
• Be significantly distressed and/or have trouble functioning at work or in social situations
• Have a bereavement reaction that is longer and more severe than expected
• Have symptoms not explained by other mental health conditions
You must also experience three of the following symptoms daily: identity disruption, disbelief, avoidance, emotional pain, difficulty returning to normal life, emotional numbness, feelings of meaninglessness, and intense loneliness. Prolonged grief disorder is more likely in certain situations.
The main treatments for prolonged grief disorder involve specialized forms of therapy and bereavement support groups.
Anxiety Disorder
Prolonged grief disorder can elevate the risk of developing anxiety disorder, and vice versa. Anxiety disorder can manifest in various ways and may require psychotherapy or medication.
Substance Abuse Disorders
Coping with grief through substance use increases the risk of developing a substance use disorder, hindering the healing process. Professional help is crucial if you find yourself relying on drugs or alcohol to cope.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Some individuals may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the circumstances surrounding a loved one’s death. Symptoms can be severe and may require treatment to mitigate their impact on daily life.
Everyone Processes Grief Differently
Grieving is a unique journey for each individual, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Recognizing when grief may be evolving into something more serious can help you seek assistance before it escalates. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.