Home » Conditions Treated » Complex PTSD » PTSD and Grief

Understanding PTSD and Grief

Grief and PTSD are profoundly challenging emotional experiences that can affect individuals in various ways.

When these two emotional states intersect, especially when grief leads to PTSD, they create a unique and complex set of challenges that require special treatment and expert understanding.

If you or a loved one are living with grief or PTSD symptoms due to the death of someone you like, we are here to help.

Continue reading to explore the intersection of grief and PTSD, shedding light on how these conditions coexist and the strategies to help individuals cope with and heal from them.

What Is Grief?

Grief is a natural and complex emotional response to the experience of loss.

Described as a profound sense of sadness, sorrow, and mourning, grief occurs when someone or something significant is taken away or no longer exists.

Grief can be triggered by various types of loss, including

• Death, including miscarriage or stillbirth
• Divorce or relationship breakup
• Severe illness, disability, or a significant decline in health
• Loss of a job
• Loss of a dream or goal

Grief is a highly individualized experience, and no two people grieve the same way. It encompasses many emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, and physical symptoms like fatigue, appetite changes, and sleep disturbances.

The grieving process is not linear and can vary in duration, with some people experiencing acute grief for a shorter period while others may experience prolonged or complicated grief that leads to complex post-traumatic stress disorder.

While grief can be harrowing, seeking support from friends, family, and a team of mental health professionals can help individuals cope with and navigate their grief and PTSD healthily and constructively.

PTSD and Grief Due to Death

Most often, people with grief PTSD develop it due to the loss of a loved one. Two common losses often tied to a PTSD diagnosis are the death of a child or a suicide-related death.

Experiencing PTSD after the death of a child is an agonizing journey through profound grief and trauma. The relentless images and memories of their child’s passing can lead to vivid flashbacks and emotional distress, often requiring specialized therapy and support to navigate the complex nature of grief and post-traumatic stress.

PTSD from the suicidal death of a loved one is a uniquely harrowing experience. Survivors grapple with intrusive thoughts, guilt, and the tormenting question of what could have been done differently. Healing involves therapy and a compassionate network of understanding individuals.

PTSD from death can overwhelm your everyday life, causing unrelenting symptoms that should be addressed and treated by a mental health professional. In some cases, PTSD from death can lead to numbing with substances like drugs or alcohol, which also should be treated promptly.

Symptoms of PTSD From Grief

Post-traumatic stress disorder that arises from grief can manifest with a combination of symptoms from both conditions.

These symptoms can be challenging to cope with and may include

• Intrusive thoughts
• Avoidance behaviors
• Emotional numbing
• Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or self-blame
• Memory problems or difficulty concentrating.
• Hyperarousal with symptoms like irritability, anger outbursts, difficulty sleeping, and an exaggerated startle response
• Social isolation
• Headaches
• Stomachaches
• Muscle tension
• Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
• Survivor’s guilt

It is important to note that grief and PTSD are two separate conditions. One can occur without the other. Grief-induced PTSD happens when the symptoms of grief and PTSD combine, making the grieving process more challenging and complex.

What Is Medical Trauma?

Aside from death and loss, grief PTSD can occur due to unexpected and life-altering medical trauma.

Medical trauma refers to the emotional and psychological distress resulting from experiences within the healthcare system. It encompasses a range of negative emotions, including fear, anxiety, and helplessness. In severe cases, it can lead to PTSD.

Some common situations that can lead to medical trauma include

• Serious illness or injury
• Invasive medical procedures
• Medical errors
• Unexpected outcomes and complications
• Long-term or chronic illness
• Dehumanizing treatment
• Loss of a loved one under medical care
• Healthcare disparities

It’s essential to recognize that medical trauma can have significant and lasting effects on an individual’s mental and emotional well-being.

Support, counseling, and therapy may be necessary to help individuals work through PTSD from medical trauma.

Grief PTSD Treatment Options

Treatment options for grief and PTSD vary depending on the individual’s needs and the severity of their symptoms.

It’s important to note that grief and PTSD are distinct but can share some overlapping symptoms, such as intrusive thoughts and emotional distress. They can also exuberate other conditions, such as certain mental health and substance use disorders.

Some standard treatment approaches for grief and PTSD include

• Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment
• Grief Counseling
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Medication Management
• Group Therapy
• Peer Support Programs
• Substance Abuse Detox and Treatment
• Family Therapy
• Dual Diagnosis Support Groups

No matter what stage of grief you are experiencing, it is crucial to seek professional help to get the treatment you need to start healing sooner.

Personalized and Empathetic Care for PTSD and Grief in Colorado

At The Raleigh House, we understand the unique challenges individuals face dealing with grief and PTSD, particularly when coupled with substance use or mental health issues.

Our compassionate and highly skilled team tailors treatment plans to cater to the individualized needs of each person, cultivating a safe and supportive environment that encourages lasting recovery objectives.

Our commitment is centered around empowering survivors of grief and PTSD. We are here to assist survivors in regaining control over their lives and working through all stages of grief healthily and effectively.

We offer a holistic approach to healing from PTSD stemming from grief. Reach out to us today to explore the specialized care options we offer.