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Types of Grief Affecting You Mentally and Physically
Grief is a saddened state of mind that can lead to excruciating emotional pain. Almost everyone experiences grief at some point in their life. Among many reasons that lead to grief, a few include losing a loved one, divorce, diagnosis of a deadly disease of a loved one, etc.
This mental condition ranges from minor to severe, where a person can even commit suicide, unable to bear their pain and agony. Grief differs in terms of its forms. To know more, keep reading about the evident types of grief.
What Are the Different Types of Grief?
The following are some of the well-proven types of grief experienced by people:
1. Normal Grief
Since many individuals suffer from grief from time to time, there is a particular definition of normal grief. Usually, this type of grief is caused by a loss. This loss can be related to the death of your loved one, the breakup of a relationship, failing an exam, and so on. During this period, you may experience severe emotional, physical, and behavioural changes for a particular span of time.2. Anticipatory Grief
Anticipatory grief occurs when you predict the pain of losing someone or something beloved in the future. This type of situation is common when someone close to you is facing a fatal illness. In the case of anticipatory grief, you will experience grief anticipating your reaction as your loved one or close friend is certain to pass away. You may experience loss, anxiety and emotion for the dying individual.3. Complicated Grief
Complicated grief arises when your grieving does not get completely wiped out through all the stages of grief. In general, this type of grief is much more painful and long-lasting. There are several contradictory feelings involved in these cases. For instance, grief for the demise of an abusive spouse, a separated parent, or for losing a well paying, but a not-so-satisfying job.4. Chronic Grief
Another version of grief is known as chronic grief. This occurs when saddened reactions to any tragic loss are not diminished down the line. These emotions continue for a longer period and deepen your distress. This suffering can reach its peak without proper treatment and lead to further depression and suicidal thoughts.5. Delayed Grief
Delayed grief usually occurs when your saddened feelings occur later after your beloved's demise years ago. This will signify that the pain and emotions did not occur entirely when they should have. Its main reason is disassociation, which is quite natural when you cannot accept that painful thing due to your mental shock.6. Exaggerated Grief
Exaggerated grief comprises stronger reactions than what is usually seen in other kinds of grief. During the exaggeration of grief, your pain and emotions may get more miserable. In this phase, you may come across severe self-harming behaviour, nightmares, suicidal tendencies, drug or alcohol abuse, as well as abnormal fears resulting in psychiatric disorders.7. Collective Grief
When it comes to collective grief occurs when a tragic incident upsets an entire group. It is very common in case of war or after any severe natural calamities like earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, storms, etc., and that impacts normal life even after it is gone. Collective grief is also experienced in the event of a terrorist attack or the demise of an adored public figure, or when a severe tragedy takes place worldwide.8. Distorted Grief
Another notable type of grief is distorted grief. Here the concerned person experiences severe stress and sadness after losing someone's beloved or any sentimental value attached to an item. A sudden noticeable change in the behaviour may occur in the victim. This condition may cause the affected individual to show obnoxious behaviour and anger towards themselves and others.9. Traumatic Grief
Losing your beloved unexpectedly may wear out your mental state significantly, resulting in an increase of your emotional responses. The pain and sorrow caused by traumatic grief can make someone unable to carry out their normal day-to-day activities. Individuals suffering from traumatic grief need intervention from a specialised psychiatrist and necessary medications alongside their family support.10. Abbreviated Grief
Abbreviated grief is much shorter than chronic grief. This often happens when a person can process their feelings of loss through anticipatory grief or when they find a healthy distraction as a coping mechanism.11. Absent Grief
Absent grief is considered among the most pathetic types of grieves wherein the concerned person neither cries nor utters a word due to severe mental shock. When it comes to absent grief, it takes place if a person loses their beloved (spouse, sibling, child, etc.) unexpectedly, like in an accident or disaster.12. Disenfranchised Grief (Ambiguous)
Disenfranchised grief is experienced by an individual when they feel no one recognises or gives importance to their losses. For example, a strong disgrace might be linked to your loved one’s death due to drug abuse or suicide. The symptoms may include despair, sadness, guilt and anger apart from physical issues like changes in appetite, inability to sleep, etc.13. Masked Grief
As its name suggests, masked grief occurs when the concerned individual facing the grief does not share their feeling with others and hides their pain. However, the sufferer may not suppress it, while some emotions manifest through abnormal behaviours. It is a complicated form of grief, and masking it can cause an adverse reaction by making you unable to carry out your daily activities.How Grief Affects the Human Body?
Apart from affecting the mental health condition, grief can get augmented, thereby causing a negative effect on physical health. The effects of grief may vary from person to person. Some of the well-known ways in which grief affects a person are as follows:
- Body aches and pain
- Weakened immune system
- Sleeplessness
- Digestive problems
- Getting hungry repeatedly or lacking appetite, as well as nausea.
- Stomach pain
- Frequent headaches
- Recurrent chest pain
- Severe fatigue
Having a detailed idea about the types of grief may help you figure out the mental state of the people around you. By doing so, you can take the necessary preventive measures and support them as needed. Furthermore, if the problem goes out of hand, consult a specialised psychiatrist instead of doing anything alone to get better results.
FAQs on Types of Grief Affecting You Mentally and Physically
What is the treatment for grief?
Complicated grief can be treated by the help of psychotherapy known as complicated grief therapy. It is quite the same as psychotherapy techniques applied in depression and PTSD.
What are the popular therapies used for the treatment of grief?
Following are the two popular methods applied by professional counsellors. They are:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT)
What strategies are applied for lessening the symptoms of grief?
Mentioned below are some commonly applied approaches used to lessen the symptoms of grief:
- Stay focused on regular self-care
- Attempt socialising
- Practise deep breathing and meditation regularly
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Avail medical treatment if the problem is severe
What are the categories of grief?
Grief has been placed under four different general categories depending upon their nature that comprise:
- Feelings
- Cognitions
- Physical sensations
- Behaviours
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