The Internet and Complicated Grief

What do grief and the internet have in common? For starters, both grief and the internet can be overwhelming. As well, CNN reported there are nearly one trillion pages on the internet. That’s a lot of information presented in a lot of different ways! Grief is like that too… it presents itself in many ways. Every person impacted by loss will have a different experience on the grief journey and for some it may become complicated.

A variety of factors may contribute to complicating a person’s grief. How and when the person died could be a factor. Was it sudden and unexpected? Was it a suicide or murder? The relationship between the person who died and those left behind may also contribute to complicating the journey. Were there unresolved issues? Was the bereaved extremely close to the person, or were they highly dependent on them?

Self-medicating with drugs and alcohol will complicate the journey too, although the person using them may feel it helps to numb or suppress their feelings around the loss. Not only does this complicate the grief journey but it also compromises one’s health.
Grief impacts on us on every level: body, mind and soul. Naturally, the responses we have are varied and can be intense at times. It doesn’t mean that everyone’s experience is complicated or that they need professional help. A measurement to use is if the person’s symptoms are prolonged, excessive or extreme… then seeking guidance from an experienced professional is advised.

Complicated grief presents itself in different forms. In the next few blogs, I will write about some of the ways it can present in those suffering a loss.

Photo Credit : twobee http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2020