Types of grief

 

Grief is divided into anticipatory, normal and complicated types. 

 

Anticipatory grief

This is where the family prepares for the death of the loved one before it has occurred. The grief experienced prior to death does not necessarily mean families will grieve for a shorter period after death. This type of grief affects both relatives and patients.

 

 Normal grief

This is the shock and disbelief that occurs shortly after the death and in most people will gradually subside with time.

 

 Complicated grief

Complicated grief is where the symptoms persists for a longer duration than expected, often described as grief which does not subside even with time. This type normally requires interventions such as psychotherapy performed by professionals exploring goals in life.

 

Symptoms of complicated grief initially is the same grief that people go through but after several months the person will still be unable to focus on anything other than the death of the deceased. There are still strong feeling of bitterness regarding the death, irritable, unable to enjoy life and feeling hopeless.