Delayed Grief And How It Impacts Someone
Grief is a very complicated emotion. It can happen whenever any type of loss occurs. The loss could include the death of a loved one, a major injury or illness, or a divorce.
Everyone will experience grief in at least one way or another throughout their lifetime.
But what happens if you don’t experience grief after a loss? At least, not right away. What if your grief doesn’t happen for days, weeks, months, or even a year after the loss occurred?
There isn’t a right way or a wrong way to experience grief. Everyone deals with loss or trauma in their own way and on their own terms.
Let’s learn more about delayed grief and how it can impact someone.
What is Delayed Grief?
Grief is the reaction to any type of loss or trauma. There are many different types of grief, delayed grief being one of the many forms.
Delayed grief is the type of grief that occurs when the emotions or reactions to a loss or trauma are postponed. The delay can occur for up to weeks, months, or even years after the loss took place.
The Causes of Delayed Grief
Delayed grief may be caused by dissociation. Your body and mind may try to block any thoughts, emotions, or feelings because they may feel too heavy to process at the moment. These will be put aside until you’re ready to deal with the grieving process.
There are many different causes for delayed grief. For example, someone may set aside their grief in order to handle the loss that occurred. They may be the one that needs to make funeral arrangements, deal with the estate, go through the belongings, deal with children, or even move personal items. Once everything is handled, they may feel like they have the time and energy to grieve properly.
Another cause of delayed grief may be life events that are keeping you from a normal grieving process. Life can throw a lot of curve balls your way. Death isn’t something that is planned. It can happen unexpectedly, and most of the time, that’s exactly what happens. Major life events like a wedding, divorce, pregnancy, childbirth or a big project at work may have your mind elsewhere. Once you’re able to process these other factors in your life, you’ll be able to process the grief of the loss that you experienced.
The Signs and Symptoms of Delayed Grief
The symptoms of delayed grief can look a lot like normal grief. The signs and symptoms of delayed grief may appear to be stronger or worse due to prolonging the grieving process. Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of grief:
- Aches and pains
- Anger
- Change in appetite
- Feeling manic
- Guilt
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Sadness
- Sleeplessness
Physical problems can also present themself:
- Confusion
- Digestive issues
- Forgetfulness
- Heart palpitations
- High blood pressure
- Lowered immunity
The Impact of Delayed Grief
Delayed grief prolongs the time you actually deal with the grief you’re experiencing. You may end up trying to cope in an unhealthy way to try to manage the grief without fully dealing with it. Try not to cope with unhealthy coping tactics like any of the below:
- Aggression
- Binging or overeating
- Biting your nails
- Drugs
- Negative self-talk
- Reckless driving
Next Steps
Delayed grief is just as normal as experiencing grief immediately after a loss. There isn’t just one form of grief. You have to work through your grief with your own grieving process. It’s completely up to you.
You may want to reach out for additional support to help you get through your grief. That’s okay as well. Asking for help can be one of the strongest things you do.
No matter what type of grief you’re working through, help is available to you. Reach out to us today to set up a consultation for grief counseling.
