Grief Counseling Colorado Springs | Bereavement Therapists Near You

Everyone experiences grief differently, as we are all individuals and the loss of a loved one, whether that be a best friend, a parent, a child, or a spouse, is a deeply personal experience. 

Our reactions to the event can take several forms:

Traumatic Grief

Traumatic grief arises from sudden, unexpected loss, often involving circumstances like the loss of a child or a violent death of a loved one. It’s distinct from grief stemming from expected losses, such as those due to chronic illness.

Characterized by intense emotional pain and difficulty accepting the loss, traumatic grief can lead to prolonged grief disorder or complicated grief. Symptoms may include intrusive thoughts, emotional numbness, avoidance behaviors, nightmares, and heightened fear and anxiety.

Research shows that about 43% of adults who lost someone during 9/11 showed signs of complicated grief, including years of recovery marked by PTSD, depression, and general anxiety disorders.

It’s essential to recognize the signs of traumatic grief and seek professional help if needed. Remember, you aren’t alone in this journey, and with the right support and coping strategies, healing is possible.

Take each step at your own pace, and remember that healing from traumatic grief is a gradual process that deserves patience and self-compassion.

What is Complicated Grief?

Complicated grief is grief that lasts longer and is more intense than what is typically expected culturally. It’s characterized by persistent, intense yearning, longing, and sadness for the deceased that impairs daily functioning. Some characteristic include:

Persistent Emotions: Complicated grief is characterized by long-lasting and severe emotions that hinder the recovery process.

Heightened Mourning State: It resembles an ongoing, intensified state of mourning that doesn’t ease with time.

Functional Impairment: Intense grief impacting daily functioning for over a year signals the need for professional assistance.

It affects approximately 7-10% of bereaved people and about 2-3% worldwide. If you’ve been experiencing the symptoms of loss or battling trauma from the death of a loved one for 12 months or longer, then it may be time to enter therapy and get the healing you deserve.

It’s recommended to acknowledge the complexity of your emotions and understand that it’s okay to ask for support.

Remember, there’s no set timeline for grief, and everyone’s journey is different.

What is Disenfranchised Grief?

Disenfranchised grief is a type of grief that occurs when a person’s loss is not openly acknowledged, socially accepted, or publicly mourned.

This lack of recognition can make the grieving process more challenging and isolating for the individual experiencing the loss.

Some key characteristic include:

• Lack of Acknowledgment: The grief is not validated by society or those around the individual, often because the relationship or the nature of the loss is not recognized as significant.
• Social Isolation: The griever may feel isolated due to the absence of social support and rituals that typically accompany more recognized forms of grief
• Stigmatization: The cause of death or type of loss may carry social stigma, leading to further isolation and lack of support.

What are the Other Types of Grief Not Mentioned Above?

Beyond these types, there are also the following types of grief:

Anticipatory Grief: Anticipatory grief is a type of grief for a loss you know is coming.

Chronic Grief: This type of grief is when a person experiences intense reactions that don’t get better over time

Abbreviated Grief: Unlike chronic grief, abbreviated grief passes quickly.

Each one is unique and can be handled with essential coping strategies.

What Are Some Ways to Cope With Bereavement?

If you find yourself grieving the loss of a loved one, you first should give yourself permission to grieve fully is the first step.

Some next steps include:

• Expressive writing techniques, such as journaling about positive memories or writing letters to the deceased, can be cathartic.
• Communication and seeking support from a confidant are essential for healing. Anticipating triggers like holidays and anniversaries can help prepare for emotional responses.
• Engaging in community support groups or seeking professional help can provide comfort and guidance tailored to individual needs.

When none of these approaches work, seeking therapy from a trained grief specialist might be a good idea.

When Is the Right Time to Seek Bereavement Counseling?

Grief often leaves individuals feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about seeking support.

If you’re wondering when the right time is to seek bereavement counseling, consider the following:

Immediate Intervention: If you experience feelings of hopelessness, persistent sadness, or thoughts of self-harm, seeking help promptly is crucial.

Persistent Symptoms: If symptoms like weight loss, difficulty concentrating, or social withdrawal persist beyond a few months, counseling can provide necessary support.

Parenting Challenges: Managing grief while parenting can be overwhelming; seeking counseling early on can equip you with the tools needed to navigate this complex situation.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please know you don’t have to go through the grief process alone, but can be empowered through therapy to find meaning in this chapter in your life.