The emergence of feelings such as pain and sadness is common after the loss of a loved one. Accepting the lack of a spouse, a parent or a great friend is a process that usually takes time. However, the chronification of these emotions can strongly disrupt the daily routine of a person and hinder the overcoming of the trance.
Pathological grief, although it is not classified as a disorder, can lead to depression if it is not subjected to psychological treatment. The reasons that can plunge you into this state of involution are diverse. People who have witnessed a death, those who have not been able to say goodbye or, conversely, have faced a sudden loss, are more at risk of lasting grief.
The normal logical succession of the sadness and pain of bereavement is the acceptance of the loss, the moment in which our mind incorporates that person as part of the past and we try to preserve the happy memories. However, not all people face death in the same way and there are certain behaviors that will help you identify if you or someone close to you is suffering from persistent grief.
These symptoms frequently appear in the year after the death of a loved one. The intensification instead of the decrease of the longing for the deceased is the most unmistakable sign that it is a prolonged trance. Going through episodes of anger, shock or mistrust are other indicators that help identify this situation. Obsessive thoughts and avoidance of memories or places the missing person frequented are other more subtle signs.
The inability to accept the death of a loved one can also cause serious disruptions in the daily routine of the affected person. It is common to experience an existential vacuum that results in the absence of purposes and goals. The neglect of personal image, episodes of insomnia or loss of appetite can also warn you that you are going through a prolonged duel.
This type of trances can be significantly complicated if during this time the affected person adopts reckless or impulsive behaviors. A person who has not overcome grief can even harm himself or have suicidal ideas. That is why, at the slightest indication, it is important to try to get the person affected to vent with their relatives and acquaintances to share their pain, without prejudice to the help of a professional.
