When Grief Causes Mental Health Problems

Grief support and mental health are deeply interconnected aspects of wellbeing. Grief is a natural response to loss, whether it’s the death of losing someone close, the end of a relationship, or any significant change or loss in one’s life. It is essential to recognise that there is no right or wrong to grieve and that grieving is a highly individual process. It is different for each of us.

Prolonged or Intense Grief

Prolonged or intense grief can impact mental health significantly. It can also lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”) in some cases. Seeking support from mental health professionals or counsellors who specialise in grief can be incredibly beneficial in navigating these emotions.

Reading about people’s experiences with grief can also be beneficial to know that you’re not alone. Grief is universal; we will all have lost someone. I lost my twin to mental health in 2022. My blog, The CP Diary, helps me to support my mental health, and work through grief.

Therapists and Counsellors

Therapists and counsellors can also provide a safe space for individuals to express their feelings, explore their grief and learn coping mechanisms to manage their emotions effectively. They may use various therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (“CBT”), narrative therapy, or interventions specific to grief, tailored to the individual’s needs.

Support Groups

Support groups can also offer comfort and validation by connecting individuals who are experiencing similar losses. Sharing experiences with others who understand can reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of togetherness, a sense of community.

It is essential to remember that healing from grief takes time, energy and patience. While the pain of loss may never completely disappear, with self-care and support, individuals can learn to bring their personal loss into their lives and find meaning and purpose moving forward.

Read more by Ilana at www.thecpdiary.com

Read Ilana elsewhere on Open to Hope: https://www.opentohope.com/losing-a-loved-one-makes-you-grow-up/

Ilana Estelle

Ilana was born with a disability she didn’t know she had until the age of 46, when something her mum said caused her to look further into her disability and sight of her medical notes revealed that she had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 2. That discovery turned out to be a unique and life-changing experience that has forced Ilana to stand back and look at her life’s experiences differently. On receipt of her diagnosis, Ilana set up her website, The CP Diary and uses her experiences to explore her emotional and physical health, with an inspiring message advocating positivity, resilience and change. Ilana likes to spend her days writing and blogging about anything that contributes to her health and wellbeing. She is an animal advocate and is passionate about environmental issues. When she is not writing or tending to her blog, Ilana enjoys days out exploring the Yorkshire countryside. Ilana lives with her husband in Yorkshire. Her grown up son and daughter both live in London.