Coping with the loss of a loved one

Last week, we delved into the sensitive topic of grief caused by the death of a loved one and the possible complications of grieving.

We outlined the stages of grief and the possible dysfunction and disorders, including persistent complex bereavement disorder, also known as prolonged or complicated grief disorder.

This disorder is diagnosed if the symptoms persist for more than six months in adults and more than three months in children and are causing severe distress and dysfunction.

The most striking symptoms include severe yearning with persistent feelings of pining for the deceased and wanting to be with them again, being obsessed with the deceased by persistently thinking, conversing, or writing about them, plus preoccupation with the circumstances of their death.