What are the types of grief? How might one know what stage of grief they are in? Here’s the 411!

Grief can be defined as the response to losing someone or something that was once living and has now died, has ceased to exist or is now broken beyond repair. Although in the past, the focus of grieving has been on the emotional response to one’s loss, the complexity of traumatic grief expounds beyond just an emotional response and can impact any of the following:

  • Image of a woman covering her face looking upset. Representing someone experiencing traumatic grief. She could benefit from online therapy with a trauma therapist in Colorado Springs, CO.Emotionally
  • Cognitively
  • Behaviorally
  • Physically
  • Spiritually
  • Socially
  • Culturally
  • Philosophically

However impacted, traumatic grief can make it feel like one’s world has completely stopped.

There are two types of complex grief:

  • Disenfranchised grief is defined as grief that is not socially accepted or supported. An example of disenfranchised grief could be the loss of one’s pet, body parts, or even an ex-spouse. Disenfranchised grief can be caused by the relationship linking the griever to the deceased not being acknowledged, the loss or death or loss not being acknowledged, and the griever’s ability to grieve has also not been acknowledged.
  • Complicated grief is noted as a type of grief that is unhealthy and abnormal, including intense, prolonged, or delayed grief. An example of complicated grief could be a delayed grief reaction in which the grief is suppressed or postponed at the time of the death until later and resurfaces possibly due to a triggering event. With complicated grief, painful emotions of loss do not seem to improve over time and are often so severe that one may have trouble recovering from the loss and resuming their own livelihood.

The 5 Stages of Traumatic Grief

Grieving is something everyone in life goes through at one time or another. However, no grieving journey is alike. Death and dying are complex topics and there is no “one size fits all” for how people should or should not grieve over the loss of their loved ones. The five stages of grief are as follows:

  • Image of a woman sitting alone on a bench. Representing the feelings that can accompany traumatic grief and how online therapy with a trauma therapist in Colorado Springs, CO can help.Denial
  • Anger
  • Bargaining
  • Depression
  • Acceptance

Most people who go through these stages might not always go in the exact order of the layout or even go through every single stage before adapting to the loss. These stages provide a great “this is what to expect” list for those grieving but one should not worry if their grieving process does not look exactly like this model portrays.

Five Fundamental Needs For One Who’s Grieving

When a person has lost someone or something they once had a close bond with, it can be hard for them to even focus on the pressing necessities of survival. When grieving, or supporting one who has suffered a great loss, it is important to remember to take care of yourself. The five fundamental needs for one who is grieving are as follows:

  • Image of a woman laying in the grass with a slight smile. Representing someone who has healed from traumatic grief in online therapy in Colorado Springs, CO.Social Support
  • Hydration
  • Nutrition
  • Exercise
  • Rest

While these five fundamental needs may seem self-explanatory, grief can leave the mind feeling foggy, clouded, and exhausted. Often, these fundamental needs are neglected during periods of extreme stress, heartache, and pain. Making sure one is staying connected to loved ones, hydrated, nourished, active, and well-rested is a great start in the journey of healing and walking through loss. Whether it’s by joining a support group, seeking grief therapy with a therapist, or having a friend hold you accountable for taking care of yourself, there are many ways to find comfort when getting through a hard time of grief.

Are you ready to address your traumatic grief with a caring therapist who is trained to help you?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (psychotherapy, eye-movement desensitization reprocessing, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, etc.) is an excellent option for anyone looking to begin the journey of walking through grief. If you are ready to move forward, we are here to help!

  1. Contact us for a free consultation
  2. Make your first appointment with a trained therapist
  3. Begin your healing journey

Other Therapy Services Available in Colorado Springs, CO

At Solace Solutions our caring therapists offer a variety of therapy services for teens, adults, couples, and families. For individuals we offer support for trauma, anxiety, and depression. All of these services are available in person in Colorado Springs or online in Colorado.

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