Bereavement

Definition

Bereavement refers to the experience of losing someone significant in one’s life. The intensity and duration of grief can vary greatly among individuals, influenced by the nature of their relationship with the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the death.

Typically, the bereavement process may last between 6 months to 2 years following the loss. While grief is a natural and expected response, in some cases it may persist and evolve into what is clinically recognized as Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD). According to the DSM-5, PGD can be diagnosed 12 months after the death of a close individual, provided the symptoms significantly impair functioning and fall outside cultural norms.

Signs and Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of bereavement include:

  • Reduced productivity and motivation
  • Chronic procrastination
  • Frequent episodes of crying
  • Persistent feelings of guilt or regret related to the loss
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Hallucinations involving the deceased, such as hearing their voice or seeing them, which are not uncommon during the grieving process. In cases of Prolonged Grief Disorder, these experiences may become more persistent or distressing.

Treatment

Grief Counselling is often the first step in supporting individuals coping with loss. It involves guided discussions with a trained counsellor to explore and process emotional and behavioural responses to the bereavement. The counsellor helps the individual reflect on their grief, identify negative thought patterns, and begin the path toward adjustment.

When grief persists beyond typical expectations, psychotherapy becomes a valuable intervention. Common therapeutic modalities include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals recognize and restructure irrational or maladaptive thoughts that have developed following the loss.
  • Cognitive Grief Therapy (CGT): A more forward-looking approach that focuses on post-treatment planning, including setting recovery goals, building routines, and identifying rewards for progress.

Both CBT and CGT aim to help individuals process their grief, regain emotional balance, and gradually adapt to life after loss.

Conclusion: Grieving takes time, and healing does not mean forgetting. It means finding a way to live with the loss. Individuals can move forward while honoring the memory of those they’ve lost with the right resources and tools.

Related Resources: If you are coping with the pain of losing a loved one, access these resources for help:

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