Individuals who seek counseling following a loss are likely experiencing complicated grief. There are extreme situations of loss like the death of a child or death by violence that also produce complicated grief. The symptoms of grief are extended and exaggerated. It usually has symptoms associated with a major depressive episode or trauma and PTSD (refer to PTSD,
Depression and Anxiety sections for additional information). These symptoms could include overwhelming sadness, episodes of rage, suicidal thoughts, inability to work because of poor concentration and focus, abuse of alcohol or drugs, feelings of detachment and emptiness. It is a very painful, lonely experience that destabilizes you and makes life very difficult to endure. Counseling, along with significant emotional support from family and friends, are necessary in order to overcome complicated grief.
