These days, when we hear the phrase, “It’s complicated”, we often think of a drama-filled Facebook relationship status. However, Complicated Grief is some thing else entirely.
Grief is a normal human emotion that everyone will face at some point in their life. Grieving can be thie result of any loss, such as the death of a loved one, or the loss of a pet, a job, or a relationship. The term Complicated Grief is used to explain grieving that is long-lasting and very intense. Factors that may contribute to one struggling with Complicated Grief may be the mannor in which the loved one died, such as passing from suicide, or homicide. Maybe there was a complicated relationship prior to the passing, or the loss just seems so “unfair.”
While there is never a set time to simply stop grieving, Complicated Grief refers to the inability to process your feelings of grief in a healthy manner. If you are experiencing Complicated Grief you may:
* Find yourself feeling “stuck” in your grief, unable to accept the loss as reality.
* Feel like life is meaningless
* Feel empty, dazed, or emotionless, even months after the loss
* Feel angry, or bitter for long periods of time
* Ruminate excessively on thoughts of your loss, often at the expense of sleep or work
* Find yourself avoiding people/places that remind you of the loss
* Feel like you will never be “normal” again
If you or someone you care about has experienced a loss, and any of this sounds familiar, please seek help now. Counseling is a natural way to begin to heal, and move forward with your life, even after loss. Please visit my website: www.mariettacounselor.com, or call me at (678)622-1178 to make an appointment.