Diseases

Mourning

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Losing a loved one is one of the most distressing and, unfortunately, common experiences people face. Most people experiencing normal grief and bereavement have a period of sorrow, numbness, and even guilt and anger. Gradually these feelings ease, and it's possible to accept loss and move forward.

SYMPTOMS

During the first few months after a loss, many signs and symptoms of normal grief are the same as those of complicated grief. However, while normal grief symptoms gradually start to fade over time, those of complicated grief linger or get worse. Complicated grief is like being in an ongoing, heightened state of mourning that keeps you from healing.
Signs and symptoms of complicated grief may include:

intense sorrow, pain and rumination over the loss of your loved one
focus on little else but your loved one's death
extreme focus on reminders of the loved one or excessive avoidance of reminders
intense and persistent longing or pining for the deceased
problems accepting the death
numbness or detachment
bitterness about your loss
feeling that life holds no meaning or purpose
lack of trust in others
inability to enjoy life or think back on positive experiences with your loved one

CAUSES

It's not known what causes complicated grief. As with many mental health disorders, it may involve your environment, your personality, inherited traits and your body's natural chemical makeup.