Losing a loved one is undoubtedly one of the most profound and universally challenging experiences we face as humans. Sometimes, the circumstances surrounding death are harrowing enough to cause PTSD symptoms to emerge. This intersection of grief and trauma is traumatic bereavement. At Canyon Crossing, we recognize the unique challenges of this experience and emphasize the importance of understanding and addressing grief PTSD.
The Dual Challenge of Traumatic Bereavement
While every loss leaves an emotional scar, some are particularly distressing, especially if they are violent or unexpected. For survivors, this experience instigates a grieving journey that simultaneously confronts them with the challenge of trauma.
In observation of Grief Awareness Day on Aug. 30, it’s crucial to differentiate between the standard grieving process and the more complex experience of traumatic bereavement.
- Complicated grief: This condition’s characteristics include enduring and intense feelings of longing, sadness and yearning. Those experiencing complicated grief often find themselves persistently preoccupied with thoughts or images of the deceased. They might grapple with disbelief, struggling to accept the reality of the death even long after it occurred. Suicidal thoughts and ideas may also arise.
- Traumatic bereavement: Here, the pain of the loss goes so deep that it results in symptoms typically associated with PTSD. These might include flashbacks to the death, severe anxiety, avoidance behaviors and even nightmares. It’s as if the mind is stuck in a loop, unable to move beyond the traumatic event.
The Importance of Early Intervention for Grief PTSD
Leaving traumatic bereavement unaddressed can have long-lasting adverse effects on your well-being and daily functionality. Grief PTSD can evolve into chronic complications that can prevent you from resuming your daily life and forming new, healthy memories and relationships.
Trauma-focused treatment can mitigate the risks of complicated grief. This intervention can encompass evidence-based therapies like EMDR and dialectical behavioral therapy to help you process their trauma and move forward.
Recovering From Trauma With Grace and Integrity
If you have experienced traumatic bereavement, you are not alone. It’s essential to seek support, whether through therapy, support groups or talking to loved ones. Recognizing the signs of grief PTSD and understanding its implications can help you regain your quality of life.
Trauma often serves as the foundation for destructive behaviors like self-harm and drug abuse. By focusing on and resolving trauma, we pave the way for a cascading healing effect that extends to multiple challenges women bring to us at Canyon Crossing. Our approach prioritizes addressing the core issues behind the distress, not merely the surface symptoms, ensuring a deeper and lasting recovery journey.
At Canyon Crossing, we establish a nurturing space where women can experience genuine understanding and acceptance. Collaboratively, we pinpoint triggers, forge adaptive coping mechanisms and fortify resilience, culminating in holistic emotional health. Contact us today to learn about our women’s-only treatment center in Arizona.
