The loss of a loved one can be more than just a sad, heartbreaking event. Losing someone you love can be a traumatic experience. In the wake of a loss, grief is natural. While grief is commonly associated with sadness, it often comes with a complex bundle of emotions — you may feel sad, frustrated, angry and even numb. Grief is different for everyone. For teens, the grieving process can be especially hard. If you’re experiencing a deeply personal loss for the first time, you may not know how to process your emotions. This can lead to a condition called complicated grief, which is when the grieving process persists for an extended period of time without any resolution. People experiencing complicated grief typically find it difficult to move on or heal, instead continuing to experience deep sorrow and other negative emotions.

Do you think you or someone you know might be experiencing complicated grief? Learning more about the condition and its symptoms can offer valuable insights. If you ever feel like you may need extra support as you process your grief, a personalized mental health treatment program may help you find peace.

What is complicated grief?

Complicated grief is a condition where the natural grieving process becomes longer and more intense. Sometimes called prolonged grief disorder (PGD), this condition is relatively common. It affects 7% to 10% of bereaved people, according to the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT). Complicated grief goes beyond regular feelings of sadness and loss. It can be debilitating, causing you to lose motivation to perform everyday tasks. Your grief may feel overwhelming and all-consuming. If you’re experiencing complicated grief, seeking professional intervention can be vital for your long-term well-being. Here are some key symptoms that can help you identify the condition in yourself or others:

• Deep sadness — Have you felt deeply sad or down for months since your loss? If your sadness persists, continuing to get worse rather than better, you may be experiencing complicated grief. The low emotions associated with complicated grief can have a major impact on your quality of life. You may feel unable to experience happiness even when doing things you used to love. Your favorite hobbies and outlets may seem to lose their meaning. If you’re experiencing deep, persistent sadness for an extended period of time following a loss, it may be time to seek treatment.

• Intrusive memories — People experiencing complicated grief are often preoccupied with their loss. If someone close to you has passed away, you may find yourself constantly thinking about them. Intrusive, unwanted memories related to that person might spring into your head at random times. When your mind is always occupied by grief, it can be hard to focus on anything else. This can make concentrating difficult, hurting your ability to pay attention to tasks like homework.

• Denial — When you’re experiencing complicated grief, you may have difficulties accepting your loss. Grieving people often struggle to believe their loved one is really gone. Though it can be difficult to face, accepting the reality of your loss is an important step toward recovery. One-on-one therapy can help you overcome denial and other unhealthy coping mechanisms, allowing you to start healing.

Top treatments for complicated grief

Professional mental health treatment can offer a way forward. Treatment approaches such as intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) incorporate an array of evidence-based care techniques, including:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — CBT is a specialized approach to mental health treatment. Often integrated into treatments for complicated grief, CBT is designed to identify negative patterns of thought and behavior. By identifying the core negative thought processes driving your persistent sorrow, you can start to make positive changes and break the cycle.

• Group therapy — Processing grief can be made easier in a supportive communal environment. With group therapy sessions, you can hear from peers going through similar experiences and share your own feelings. Participating in group therapy can be a great way to feel less isolated and more understood.

• Coping skills — Coping skills are an essential part of grieving. Through CBT and other treatment approaches, your care team can help you practice practical skills for managing grief and its symptoms. As you try different coping mechanisms, it’s important to find something that’s effective and sustainable. Different techniques work for different people. Whether you process your grief by going for a jog every morning or writing poetry, finding a solution that works for you can help you heal emotionally.

Get help processing your complicated grief with Embrace U

At Embrace U, we offer outpatient programs for teens who need mental health support. With our help, you can find a level of care that works for you and start making progress toward mental wellness.
Contact our team today to learn more about complicated grief or to schedule an initial appointment.