Complicated Bereavement
Some people do not go through the normal grieving process, which fades away gradually and resolves through acceptance. They may have these feelings linger for longer than usual or get worse with time resulting in complicated grief. A condition known as Prolonged Grief Disorder may develop in severe cases.
The disorder has recently been included in DSM-V-TR: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision. This is the latest publication of the American Psychiatric Association made for healthcare professionals globally as an authoritative guide for the diagnosis of mental disorders.
Prolonged Grief Disorder is characterized by an intense yearning for the dead person, identity disruption, disbelief, social withdrawal, numbness, a sense of meaninglessness and loneliness. A person may actively avoid reminders that the person is dead. Experiences strong emotions related to death, anger, bitterness or depression. Strong feelings of loneliness and separation from others.
Dealing with Grief
Letters we don't send, write a letter addressed to the deceased. Pen down your heartfelt pain from their absence, how much you miss them, the memories you shared and how life is without them.
Allow yourself to feel the emotions; normally, the feelings we resist tend to persist. Allow yourself to cry without holding back. Understand that emotions are temporary and that the dark cloud will pass away eventually.
Talk about it with someone; could be a close friend, partner or counsellor. This is will help you deal with loss and avoid complicated bereavement. Avoiding the topic will only make the grieving process last longer than it is necessary. Talk about the deceased and you will soon find yourself at a place of acceptance.
Connect with others; this is not the time to isolate, and draw close to friends and family, inducing people who were special to the deceased. Stay connected to your usual support group or try joining a bereavement support group.