Quality Counseling of Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and Kokomo, Indiana is an organization that promotes the mental health and well-being of individuals and families to encourage healthy lifestyles free from addictions. In the following article, Quality Counseling reviews ways to cope with the grief and trauma of losing a loved one and strategies for moving forward.
Regardless of form, grief is always challenging to handle. But add in trauma, and it can feel insurmountable. People often find it difficult to move forward, heal, and manage their pain, causing them to feel alone and helpless.
However, Quality Counseling of Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and Kokomo, Indiana understands that traumatic grief and healthy coping mechanisms puts individuals on the path to overcoming their currently impossible feelings.
Understanding Traumatic Grief
Traumatic grief (a.k.a. traumatic bereavement) tends to occur after an unexpected, sudden loss, like losing a child or a violent death of a relative or friend. It’s different from the grief after an expected loss, but that doesn’t mean the other forms are easier to deal with.
Quality Counseling reviews that traumatic grief is more likely to cause complicated grief due to the more intense feelings that come along with this sort of bereavement.
Finding out about unexpected deaths can also lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). And those who already have a mental health condition at the time of a traumatic loss are more likely to develop PTSD.
Quality Counseling Reviews the Symptoms
Everybody is different. Thus, people grieve in various ways. Despite how it may feel in the moment, there isn’t a wrong or right way to grieve. However, those dealing with traumatic grief may exhibit some of the same symptoms, including:
- difficulty sleeping,
- fear,
- anxiety,
- anger,
- flashbacks,
- nightmares, and
- emotional numbness
The more intense nature of traumatic grief means the symptoms are more pervasive and persistent than common bereavement.
Quality Counseling reviews that there are also physical symptoms to consider. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) outlines a few physical signs that may manifest alongside the emotional/cognitive/psychological symptoms, including:
- dry mouth,
- nausea,
- trembling or shakiness,
- muscle weakness, and
- shortness of breath
5 Healthy Coping Mechanisms for Traumatic Grief
No matter the type of grief, learning healthy ways to deal with the loss is essential for re-establishing a high quality of life and moving forward. Of course, Quality Counseling of Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and Kokomo, Indiana report that is easier said than done, especially for those with traumatic grief. Therefore, keeping the five mechanisms below in mind can lighten the load.
Trusting the Process without Fear
Shock and disbelief are the two main feelings after a traumatic event. However, they don’t last forever; they will disappear, and others will fill the gaps. At this point, it’s imperative not to be afraid.
Quality Counseling reviews that whether individuals experience a strong sense of sadness, anxiety, anger, or all three, allowing themselves to feel each one helps turn the tide toward a more positive future.
It will take time, but letting go of the “being strong” mindset will work wonders. People should focus on replaying the events (no matter how scary) to work through them — facing the event is the only long-term way to move forward.
Leaning on Support Networks
Sharing thoughts and feelings with trusted loved ones can be a great way to prevent societal withdrawal. However, many individuals going through traumatic grief find it useful to talk to people who’ve experienced the same thing at group support groups.
Quality Counseling reviews that for those supporting someone with traumatic grief, experts mention being a good listener is especially important.
Expressing Thoughts and Feelings
Self-expression changes perceptions and how people experience the world around them. Whether through poetry, painting, writing letters, pottery, woodturning, jewelry making, or other creative pursuits, the process and outcome provide meaning and shape to thoughts and feelings.
Acknowledging grief is a must-do. Otherwise, it will eat people from the inside out. Thus, self-expression is a powerful tool when handling traumatic bereavement.
Taking Time
Quality Counseling of Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and Kokomo, Indiana report that similar to the symptoms of grief, the journey through it is different for everybody. There isn’t a pre-defined timeframe for overcoming it. Therefore, experts advise not to rush.
While it may feel too slow sometimes, taking the time to thoroughly work through the event and the feelings surrounding it goes a long way toward a healthier, happier future.
Maintaining Structure and Routines
Quality Counseling reviews that sticking to pre-loss routines and structure can help stabilize the trauma. It calms nerves and gives the body and brain enough regularity to start the healing process.
Ultimately, there is light at the end of the tunnel; it just might take a little while to reach it.
