Grieving the loss of a loved one is one of life’s most challenging experiences. While grief is a natural process, some people may find themselves stuck in intense, debilitating feelings of loss that persist for a prolonged period, significantly interfering with their daily lives. This condition, known as prolonged grief disorder (PGD), is now recognized as a distinct mental health condition requiring compassionate understanding and professional support.

New Directions Mental Health can help people navigate the complexities of grief and PGD. With grief counseling, our experienced professionals can guide you toward healing and finding ways to rediscover your life after loss. Call us at 724.374.7414 today to begin your mental health journey.

Understanding the Difference Between Grief and PGD

Grief is a natural and deeply human response to loss, often marked by feelings of sadness, yearning, and the gradual process of adjustment. Over time, these emotions typically ease, allowing people to move forward while carrying their loss as part of their lives. Prolonged grief disorder, however, is a more complex condition where the emotional pain remains overwhelmingly intense and unrelenting, making it difficult to heal or move on. Unlike normal grief, which eventually integrates into life without hindering your ability to live fully, PGD can leave you feeling trapped, unable to find solace or meaning in the aftermath of loss.

Prolonged Grief Disorder: A Closer Look

PGD involves feelings of sorrow and yearning that persist for at least a year (or six months in children) and interfere significantly with a person’s relationships, work, or daily life.

Symptoms of prolonged grief disorder may include:

• Persistent longing or preoccupation with the deceased
• Difficulty accepting the loss or feeling emotionally numb
• Intense emotional pain such as sadness, anger, or guilt
• A diminished sense of purpose or identity
• Social withdrawal or avoidance of activities previously enjoyed

These symptoms extend beyond the normal grieving process, which typically diminishes in intensity over time as people learn to adapt to their loss.

Potential Risk Factors of Prolonged Grief Disorder

• Experiencing the sudden or unexpected loss of a loved one
• Losing someone with whom the individual shared a deeply dependent relationship
• Having a history of mental health challenges, such as anxiety or depression
• Lacking a strong support system during the grieving process

While not everyone who experiences these circumstances will develop PGD, these factors can contribute to the intensity and duration of grief.

Types of Treatment for Grief and PGD

The good news is that prolonged grief disorder is treatable. Seeking professional support can help individuals process their emotions and develop strategies to cope with their loss. Common therapeutic approaches include:

Grief Counseling

Through grief counseling, people can work toward understanding and accepting their emotions, whether these emotions include sadness, guilt, anger, or confusion. Therapists help clients build coping strategies that honor their grief while gradually allowing them to reintegrate into daily activities. The goal is not to “move on” but to find a way to move forward, carrying the memory of the loved one while reclaiming a sense of purpose and meaning in life.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps clients identify and reframe these negative thoughts, replacing them with healthier, more constructive perspectives. For example, a client who feels overwhelming guilt for not being able to prevent their loved one’s passing might work with their therapist to challenge this belief and acknowledge the reality of their limitations.

Additionally, CBT incorporates techniques for managing emotional distress, such as relaxation exercises and problem-solving strategies, which can empower clients to face challenging situations with greater confidence and resilience.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT emphasizes the importance of aligning actions with personal values. For someone experiencing prolonged grief, this might mean rediscovering passions, rebuilding relationships, or engaging in activities that honor the memory of their loved one. People can create a sense of purpose and forward momentum by focusing on what matters most to them, even in the face of loss.

Through ACT, clients learn to live in the present moment, reducing the impact of distressing thoughts about the past or fears about the future. This approach fosters emotional flexibility, which is crucial for navigating the ups and downs of grief.

Support Groups

Support groups offer a unique and powerful connection for those experiencing loss. Sharing personal stories and hearing the experiences of others who have endured similar challenges can foster a sense of understanding and validation. These groups provide a space where individuals can express their feelings without fear of judgment, knowing they are surrounded by people who truly “get it.”

Each person’s journey is unique, and therapy should be tailored to meet specific needs. At New Directions Mental Health, we provide evidence-based treatment options that can address a client’s unique challenges of PGD, which may or may not include the above treatment options.

The Importance of Talking About Grief

Talking about grief is an essential part of healing because it allows people to process their feelings and feel less alone. Speaking openly about loss helps build connections, offering comfort and support during difficult times. When you share your emotions with friends, family, or trusted professionals, you give yourself the chance to release some of the pain while also helping others understand how to support you. Staying silent about grief can make the sadness feel heavier, but by talking, you take an important step toward finding peace and beginning to heal.

Call New Directions Mental Health for the Help You Need with Grief

We understand the immense toll that prolonged grief disorder can take on your emotional and physical well-being. Our experienced mental health professionals are here to guide you through this challenging time, providing compassionate care and personalized treatment options to help you navigate your grief. If you or someone you know is struggling with prolonged grief disorder, reaching out for help can be the first step toward recovery—call us today at 724.374.7414 and get the support you need.

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