Grief is a very personal journey. When you lose someone you love, whether suddenly or after a long illness, the pain can feel heavy and confusing. You may not know how to cope or how to move forward. Healing after loss is not about “getting over it.” It is about learning to hold on to the love and memory of the person, while slowly finding ways to live with meaning again.
At CRC Behavioral Health, we understand that grief is different for everyone. Some people notice their sadness slowly becoming lighter over time, while others feel stuck in deep waves of sorrow. Learning about the different types of grief and knowing when to ask for support can be an important first step toward healing.
What Is Traumatic or Complicated Grief?
Not all grief follows the same path. For many, the natural grieving process allows space for sadness, remembrance, and eventual adjustment to life without a loved one. This is often called healthy grief.
But sometimes grief takes a different turn, becoming persistent, overwhelming, and disruptive to daily life. Clinically, this is known as Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) in the DSM-5-TR, though it has also been referred to as complicated grief or traumatic grief.
Key Features of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD):
- Intense yearning or longing for the person.
- Difficulty accepting the reality of death.
- Avoiding reminders of the person or being unable to think of anything else.
- Persistent feelings of emptiness, guilt, or despair.
- Struggles with work, relationships, or everyday responsibilities.
Importantly, PGD is defined by its duration:
- In adults, symptoms must persist for 12 months or more after the loss.
- In children and adolescents, symptoms must persist for 6 months or more.
PGD is more likely to develop after a sudden or traumatic loss, such as an accident, suicide, or violent event. It may also overlap with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), since trauma and grief often reinforce each other.
The important thing to know is this: prolonged or traumatic grief is not a sign of weakness. It is a recognized mental health condition that often requires specialized support and therapy.
Healthy Grief vs. Prolonged (Complicated) Grief
Healthy Grief
- Feelings are very strong at first, but slowly become easier to manage.
- There can still be moments of peace, joy, or connection, even while missing the person.
- You learn to adjust to life while keeping memories close.
Prolonged or Complicated Grief
- The pain stays just as strong, or even gets worse, over time.
- Daily life, work, or relationships feel very hard to manage.
- May lead to depression, anxiety, or using alcohol or drugs to cope.
Knowing the difference is important because it shapes the kind of help you may need. If grief feels stuck and does not ease, reaching out for professional support can open the way to healing.
The Role of Post-Traumatic Growth
It may feel impossible to imagine growth or healing while grieving. But research shows that some people experience what’s called post-traumatic growth, positive changes that occur after facing profound loss.
This doesn’t mean the loss stops hurting or becomes “a good thing.” Instead, it means that through the struggle, some people discover new strengths, perspectives, and meaning.
Examples include:
- A deeper appreciation for life’s small moments.
- Stronger relationships with family, friends, or community.
- A renewed sense of purpose, such as advocacy, volunteering, or creative work.
- Spiritual or personal growth re-examining values, priorities, or beliefs.
At CRC Behavioral Health, our therapists may use meaning-centered grief therapy to help people explore purpose and resilience while honoring their loss.
How to Heal After Loss: Steps Toward Recovery
Healing from grief does not move in a straight line. It often comes in waves, with some days feeling lighter and other days feeling heavy. Still, there are simple steps that may help:
Allow Yourself to Grieve
Do not push your feelings away. Cry if you need to, feel angry, or even feel nothing at times. All of these are normal. There is no “right” timeline for grief.
Seek Support
You do not have to go through this alone. Talking with family, friends, or a grief group can help ease loneliness. At CRC Behavioral Health, we offer grief counseling and group therapy, where sharing your story with others can bring comfort and understanding.
Create Rituals of Remembrance
Honoring your loved one can provide meaning and connection. This might include lighting a candle, planting a tree, writing letters, or establishing new family traditions.
Care for Your Body
Grief affects both mind and body. Exercise, sleep, and nutrition play vital roles in healing. Practices like yoga, meditation, or breathwork can also help regulate emotions and reduce stress.
Explore Therapy Options
Different therapies provide unique benefits:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and reframe unhelpful thought patterns.
- Trauma-focused therapy (e.g., EMDR, TF-CBT): Supports those experiencing grief alongside PTSD.
- Prolonged Grief Disorder Therapy (PGDT): A structured, evidence-based therapy designed specifically for complicated/prolonged grief.
- Meaning-centered therapy: Encourages rebuilding a sense of purpose and resilience after loss.
Why Group Therapy Matters
Grief can make people feel isolated, as though no one else understands their pain. But many discover hope through group therapy, where shared experiences create connection.
Benefits of group grief counseling include:
- Realizing you’re not alone in your struggles.
- Learning coping skills from others.
- Building a supportive network that extends beyond therapy sessions.
At CRC Behavioral Health, group sessions focus on compassion, shared healing, and practical strategies for coping with lifes challenges day by day.
Holistic Approaches to Grief
Healing after loss often requires more than talk therapy. Addressing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit can be deeply effective. Holistic support may include:
- Mindfulness and meditation to calm intrusive thoughts.
- Art and music therapy to express emotions creatively.
- Yoga and movement for stress release and physical balance.
- Nutrition and wellness support to strengthen overall health.
Note: These practices are supportive tools. They are most effective when used alongside evidence-based therapies for grief and trauma.
Honoring Your Own Grief Journey
There is no single “right” way to grieve. Some people find peace sooner; others take years to feel steady again. What matters most is showing yourself compassion and seeking help when needed.
Remember:
- You don’t have to “move on” to heal.
- Joy and grief can coexist.
- Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
How CRC Behavioral Health Can Support You
At CRC Behavioral Health, we specialize in supporting people through grief, trauma, and loss. Our services include:
- Individual counseling for personalized support.
- Group therapy for connection and community.
- Holistic programs that nurture body and mind.
- Evidence-based therapies like CBT, PGDT, and meaning-centered approaches.
We are here to walk beside you as you find your way through loss toward healing and resilience.
Call Us Today and Begin Your Healing Journey
Healing after loss is one of life’s hardest journeys. Grief can feel unbearable, especially when it becomes prolonged or traumatic. But with the right support, it’s possible to carry your loved one’s memory while also rediscovering purpose, resilience, and even growth.