Grief and Loss Treatment in San Antonio, Texas
Treatment for Complicated Grief in San Antonio
Explore Types of Grief & Loss We Treat
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Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)
Overview:
Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), recognized in the DSM-5-TR (2022), occurs when intense grief persists for an extended period, typically beyond 12 months for adults or 6 months for children, and significantly impairs daily functioning. PGD is distinct from “normal” grief by its severity and duration.
Symptoms:
- Persistent yearning, longing, or preoccupation with the deceased.
- Intense emotional pain, such as sadness, guilt, or anger.
- Difficulty accepting the death or feeling emotionally numb.
- Avoidance of reminders of the loss.
- Inability to re-engage in life, including maintaining relationships or pursuing interests.
Impact on Life:
PGD can cause significant distress in personal, social, and professional domains. Individuals may isolate themselves, neglect self-care, or struggle with feelings of purposelessness.
Treatment Options:
- Grief Counseling: Provides a supportive space to process emotions and memories.
- Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT): A specialized form of therapy that helps individuals process grief while gradually re-engaging with life.
- EMDR or CBT: Address unresolved emotions or maladaptive thoughts related to the loss.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with Grief Features
Overview:
While grief itself is not a disorder, it can trigger or overlap with Major Depressive Disorder in some individuals. MDD with grief features occurs when grief transitions into a depressive episode characterized by pervasive sadness, hopelessness, and functional impairments.
Symptoms:
- Persistent low mood unrelated to specific memories of the deceased.
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt beyond the context of the loss.
- Loss of interest in activities or relationships.
- Sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and fatigue.
- Suicidal ideation or thoughts of joining the deceased.
Impact on Life:
MDD can amplify the challenges of grief, making it difficult to process the loss while also managing depressive symptoms. Individuals may withdraw from their support system or struggle to meet daily responsibilities.
Treatment Options:
- CBT or Interpersonal Therapy: Focuses on reworking negative thought patterns and rebuilding social connections.
- Medication: Antidepressants can help stabilize mood and energy levels.
- Grief Support Groups: Provides peer connection and shared understanding in a safe environment.
Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
Overview:
Adjustment Disorder occurs when an individual has difficulty coping with a significant life change, such as the death of a loved one. It’s less severe than MDD but still impairs emotional and social functioning.
Symptoms:
- Sadness, tearfulness, or feelings of being overwhelmed.
- Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks.
- Increased worry, irritability, or hopelessness tied to the loss.
- Symptoms typically occur within three months of the loss and improve over time.
Impact on Life:
Adjustment Disorder may interfere with work, school, or relationships as the individual navigates the loss. However, it’s generally a temporary condition that improves with support and time.
Treatment Options:
- Brief Therapy: Helps individuals develop coping strategies and process their emotions.
- Mindfulness-Based Techniques: Encourages emotional regulation and stress reduction.
- Peer Support: Connecting with others who have experienced similar losses can provide relief.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from Traumatic Loss
Overview:
Traumatic loss, such as the sudden or violent death of a loved one, can lead to PTSD. This condition occurs when the circumstances of the loss overwhelm the individual’s ability to process it, leaving them in a state of heightened fear or emotional dysregulation.
Symptoms:
- Intrusive memories or nightmares related to the loss.
- Avoidance of reminders of the event or the person.
- Hypervigilance, irritability, or a sense of danger.
- Emotional numbness or feelings of detachment.
Impact on Life:
PTSD from traumatic loss can prevent individuals from moving through the grieving process. They may feel stuck, unable to acknowledge the loss or engage in meaningful relationships.
Treatment Options:
- EMDR or Trauma-Focused CBT: Helps process the traumatic aspects of the loss.
- Somatic Therapy: Addresses the physical manifestations of trauma.
- Group Therapy: Provides support from others with similar experiences of traumatic loss.
Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) as a Grief Response
Overview:
Some individuals turn to substances like alcohol or drugs to numb the emotional pain of grief. While this may provide temporary relief, it often leads to dependency and worsens emotional and physical health.
Symptoms:
- Increased use of substances to cope with sadness or anxiety.
- Neglecting responsibilities or relationships in favor of substance use.
- Cravings, withdrawal symptoms, or loss of control over usage.
- Co-occurring mental health symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Impact on Life:
Substance use as a grief response can deepen isolation, financial strain, and health problems. It often delays the grieving process, leaving emotions unprocessed and unresolved.
Treatment Options:
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Addresses both the substance use and the underlying grief.
- 12-Step Programs or Peer Support: Provides community and accountability.
- Therapy: CBT or grief counseling can help individuals develop healthier coping strategies.
We're Ready to Help
Grief and loss affect everyone differently, and the line between healthy grieving and a diagnosable condition isn’t always clear. If grief becomes prolonged, overwhelming, or disruptive to daily life, professional support can make a significant difference.
At Stone River Recovery Center, we specialize in helping individuals navigate grief, loss, and related mental health challenges. Healing is possible, and we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.
