We will all face a loss at some point in our lives, and grief is sure to occur. It´s important to understand the connection between mental health and grief, as it ensures a timely reaction before severe problems or disorders develop due to grieving. If they do develop, seeking professional help is crucial for overcoming them.
We at Time Wellness Georgia would like to clearify the link between grief and mental health, provide some tips on dealing with grief, and offer support to someone struggling with these issues. Learn more from our mental health experts!
Understanding Grief and Its Impact on Mental Health
Grief can be defined as anguish experienced after a significant loss, typically the death of a beloved person, but you can also grieve losing health, youth, or opportunities. Grief and mental health issues are known to go hand-in-hand, as grief has mental, emotional, and even physical effects. You may feel regret, confusion, and yearning. Emotionally, distress and anxiety are usually present, and some of the typical physical consequences include disturbed sleep patterns, fatigue, and the disruption of the immune system.
One of the best-known frameworks explaining grief states that every person goes through five stages of it. Those stages are:
- denial
- anger
- bargaining
- depression
- acceptance
Although we can´t put a time stamp on grief, we know it usually takes six months to a year for a person to go through all of these stages of grief. Over time, intense feelings start fading away. For some people, however, this is not the case, making the grief and mental health connection even more adverse. Mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may occur.
Recognizing When Grief Requires Professional Help
Grieving after experiencing a loss is perfectly normal, but as mentioned before, feelings of overwhelming sadness and yearning should gradually go away. When this is not happening, it could be a sign of so-called complicated grief. Complicated grief was recently recognized as a disorder, impacting around 7% of people going through a period of grieving.
Signs of complicated grief can be:
- being caught up in rumination about the circumstances of the death
- worrying about the consequences of death
- excessive avoidance of reminders of the loss
Having a supportive environment is important for overcoming grief. However, complicated grief and mental health consequences as a result of it are nearly impossible to address without professional help. This is because persistent depression, withdrawal from social activities, and thoughts of self-harm are common occurrences in cases of complicated grief and are likely to require psychotherapeutic work to be properly addressed. If you or someone you care for are experiencing complicated grief, it´s a good time to seek Georgia mental health services and get your life back on track.
Support Resources Available in Georgia
When faced with mental health and grief struggles, counseling and therapy should be your first choices for dealing with your situation. Depending on your dominant symptoms and disorders developed from grieving, you might be suggested a few different treatments.
Symptoms of depression (overwhelming sadness and despair) will be best addressed by depression treatment centers in Georgia. Time Wellness is an inclusive and supportive space for dealing with and recovering from any signs of depression. With a partial hospitalization program, an intensive outpatient program, and an outpatient program, we are able to accommodate different states and requirements, from very intense treatments to full flexibility.
Severe anxiety as a sign of complicated grief and mental health issues can be treated with medicines and psychotherapeutic approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and we at Time Wellness have much experience with it. We are equally relying on evidence-based and innovative holistic approaches to provide individualized anxiety treatment.
Our PTSD treatment in Atlanta can support those struggling with trauma as a response to complicated grief. We understand that each trauma experience is unique, so we tailor each treatment. Our experience with LGBTQIA individuals, adolescents, and people of different backgrounds made us knowledgeable about diverse clinical images, needs, and solutions for those struggling with trauma.
Whatever your complicated grief looks like, we are sure we can provide you with an approach created specifically for you. We offer safe space, acceptance, and understanding. With our guidance and support, you can overcome your grief and mental health challenges.
How to Offer Support to Someone Experiencing Grief
Although professionals are crucial for overcoming complicated grief and mental health issues, support from friends and family is very important for both. As a member of one´s close circle, you can help them by simply being there and supporting them in a way they find significant. By asking open questions, actively listening, and being nonjudgmental, you are off to a good start.
You should try to be patient and avoid rushing the grieving process. Instead of forcing the grieving person to speak or be active, offer a listening ear and assure the person you are there for whatever they need. They might need instrumental support, like helping clean their house or advice on looking for a therapist. Be mindful of your words. Phrases like “be strong” or “that´s life” don´t offer any consolation and can trigger additional negative feelings.
Encouraging Healthy Coping Mechanisms
As someone grieving, give yourself time and freedom to express your feelings. Don´t forget to take care of yourself, keep up with your daily routine, and surround yourself with people who support you. If you can, talk about how you feel and communicate your needs to those who are there for you.
You should try to create healthy coping mechanisms. Journaling, writing, and other creative means can give you a creative outlet. Gardening, walking in nature, or meditating can help you feel grounded and connected to the world around you. Finally, avoid slipping into substance and alcohol use. They might seem like a quick fix, but they create more issues than they solve.
Main Takeaways on Grief and Mental Health
The connection between mental health and grief is evident as prolonged grief can be challenging and create many mental health problems. Fortunately, many resources are available in Georgia for you or your loved ones who are struggling. Seek professional help; take advantage of Aetna mental health coverage or other insurance providers; and ensure you get customized care and treatment at Time Wellness.
Michelle Rubio is our Clinical Director at Time Wellness in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a passion for helping those in need.
If you or a loved one need mental health treatment in Atlanta, we’re here to help. Contact Time Wellness Centers today to get started.
