Grief can occur for reasons other than a loved one’s passing. Other types of loss include loss of a job, the end of a marriage or significant relationship, or the loss of physical health. All of these types of loss also spark the powerful emotions associated with grieving.

While the grief journey is unique to each of us, there are some added risks for some. Someone who is already dealing with diagnosed depression will be vulnerable to the added depths of these fresh emotions. For this reason, it is imperative that someone in this position access the professional mental health support that can be so beneficial at a time like this.

About Grief

How loss affects each of us can be very different. Many variables factor into how we will manage the resulting emotions. The length of time that it takes to work through a loss will be different for everyone. No one should pressure someone in mourning to “get over it already.”

Some of the ways that grief can affect us are as follows:

Our behaviours:

• A change in eating habits: Loss of appetite or eating more than usual
  
• Avoidance behaviours
  
• Anger or aggression
  
• Withdrawing socially
  
• Self-medicating with substances
  
• Trouble making decisions
  
• Our mental health:
  
• Sadness
  
• Mood swings
  
• Irritability
  
• Guilt
  
• Anger
  
• Feelings of failure
  
• Trouble concentrating

Our physical health:

• Headaches
  
• Weight loss or gain
  
• Insomnia or disrupted sleep
  
• Fatigue
  
• Dry mouth
  
• Gastrointestinal upset
  

Many of these symptoms of the grieving process dovetail with those of major depressive disorder. The loss only intensifies the existing symptoms of depression, which can increase the risk for suicide. Anyone who is already struggling with depression and then experiences a significant loss should be under the care of a mental health professional.

How to Get Through the Grieving Process with Diagnosed Depression

A sudden and unexpected loss can literally level you. The knowledge that a loved one is no longer with them can be incredibly difficult to bear. The closer you were to the person, the more intense the grief will be.

If you are currently under the care of a therapist for existing depression, you will already be equipped with many of the tools to help you navigate the bereavement period. There are numerous actions you can take to help you manage the heavy emotions. Consider these tips as you wind your way through the stages of grief:

Allow yourself to grieve.

Some people resist showing their emotions after someone they care about passes away. They suppress their grief, possibly feeling that it makes them appear weak to be overcome with sorrow. It is absolutely healthy to release your emotions at a time of loss, as bottling them up will lead to physical illness. Allow yourself to feel the emotional pain and to cycle through it on your own terms.

Maintain your routine.

It might be tempting to lock yourself in your bedroom with the covers pulled over your head when mourning a loss. While perfectly acceptable for a couple of days, hiding away from too many days will actually work against you. Try to maintain at least part of your normal routine. Get out for a daily walk, eat meals at the usual time, and keep a regular sleep schedule.

Engage in self-care.

Give yourself permission to tend to your own needs during this period. Take the steps that will help you achieve a sense of calm. Try using aromatherapy by adding some essential oils to the bath or a diffuser. Try out some yoga classes or stretching classes on YouTube. Take your mind on a journey through a guided meditation app. If you have access to them, get a nice Swedish massage an experience full-body relaxation.

Stay connected.

It is very important not to withdraw from your family and friends. Even just an occasional text conversation with them will keep you connected. Better yet, meet a close friend for a walk or call someone on the phone to express your feelings to. People close to you will know that you are grieving a terrible loss and want to be there for you.

Remain active.

While it is understandable you are not in the mood to join a Zumba dance fitness class, there are ways to remain physically active during the grieving period. Find an activity that gets you out of the house where you can enjoy the healing effects of sunshine and fresh air. Cycling, walking, hiking, swimming, or running are excellent options that will increase production of endorphins.

Avoid self-medicating.

When in emotional pain the desire to numb the suffering with a substance like alcohol or drugs is understandable. However, self-medicating with a substance will usually backfire. If you overindulge in alcohol you will likely experience painful hangovers. If you begin using a substance regularly you then risk developing a substance use disorder.

A Higher Level of Care May be Appropriate

When the depressive state is so exacerbated by the loss it may be necessary to seek a higher standard of care. This becomes apparent when outpatient interventions do not diminish the symptoms. Intense depression can impact health, due to loss of sleep, loss of appetite, loss of interest, and increased thoughts of death or suicide. When grieving is coupled with depression and results in significant impairment, then it is time to consider a residential mental health program.

Residential care provides a quiet, comforting space for someone with depression to heal from a terrible loss. These programs feature an intimate caseload, allowing you to receive personalized care from a compassionate clinical staff. This setting also protects against attempts to inflict self-harm.

About the Author

Steven Booth is the CEO and Founder of Elevation Behavioral Health in Agoura Hills, CA . Steven earned his B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara in Economics. Before helping to co-found Elevation Behavioral Health, Steven worked in both private and public accounting. Like many others, Steven has seen firsthand the destruction that addiction can inflict on family and friends. He has also witnessed the extraordinary changes that can be made when addicts receive the necessary treatment. His passion is providing outstanding mental health care through his facility, and improving the quality of life of clients.

Grief can occur for reasons other than a loved one’s passing. Other types of loss include loss of a job, the end of a marriage or significant relationship, or the loss of physical health. All of these types of loss also spark the powerful emotions associated with grieving.

While the grief journey is unique to each of us, there are some added risks for some. Someone who is already dealing with diagnosed depression will be vulnerable to the added depths of these fresh emotions. For this reason, it is imperative that someone in this position access the professional mental health support that can be so beneficial at a time like this.

About Grief

How loss affects each of us can be very different. Many variables factor into how we will manage the resulting emotions. The length of time that it takes to work through a loss will be different for everyone. No one should pressure someone in mourning to “get over it already.”

Some of the ways that grief can affect us are as follows:

Our behaviours:

• A change in eating habits: Loss of appetite or eating more than usual
  
• Avoidance behaviours
  
• Anger or aggression
  
• Withdrawing socially
  
• Self-medicating with substances
  
• Trouble making decisions
  
• Our mental health:
  
• Sadness
  
• Mood swings
  
• Irritability
  
• Guilt
  
• Anger
  
• Feelings of failure
  
• Trouble concentrating

Our physical health:

• Headaches
  
• Weight loss or gain
  
• Insomnia or disrupted sleep
  
• Fatigue
  
• Dry mouth
  
• Gastrointestinal upset
  

Many of these symptoms of the grieving process dovetail with those of major depressive disorder. The loss only intensifies the existing symptoms of depression, which can increase the risk for suicide. Anyone who is already struggling with depression and then experiences a significant loss should be under the care of a mental health professional.

How to Get Through the Grieving Process with Diagnosed Depression

A sudden and unexpected loss can literally level you. The knowledge that a loved one is no longer with them can be incredibly difficult to bear. The closer you were to the person, the more intense the grief will be.

If you are currently under the care of a therapist for existing depression, you will already be equipped with many of the tools to help you navigate the bereavement period. There are numerous actions you can take to help you manage the heavy emotions. Consider these tips as you wind your way through the stages of grief:

Allow yourself to grieve.

Some people resist showing their emotions after someone they care about passes away. They suppress their grief, possibly feeling that it makes them appear weak to be overcome with sorrow. It is absolutely healthy to release your emotions at a time of loss, as bottling them up will lead to physical illness. Allow yourself to feel the emotional pain and to cycle through it on your own terms.

Maintain your routine.

It might be tempting to lock yourself in your bedroom with the covers pulled over your head when mourning a loss. While perfectly acceptable for a couple of days, hiding away from too many days will actually work against you. Try to maintain at least part of your normal routine. Get out for a daily walk, eat meals at the usual time, and keep a regular sleep schedule.

Engage in self-care.

Give yourself permission to tend to your own needs during this period. Take the steps that will help you achieve a sense of calm. Try using aromatherapy by adding some essential oils to the bath or a diffuser. Try out some yoga classes or stretching classes on YouTube. Take your mind on a journey through a guided meditation app. If you have access to them, get a nice Swedish massage an experience full-body relaxation.

Stay connected.

It is very important not to withdraw from your family and friends. Even just an occasional text conversation with them will keep you connected. Better yet, meet a close friend for a walk or call someone on the phone to express your feelings to. People close to you will know that you are grieving a terrible loss and want to be there for you.

Remain active.

While it is understandable you are not in the mood to join a Zumba dance fitness class, there are ways to remain physically active during the grieving period. Find an activity that gets you out of the house where you can enjoy the healing effects of sunshine and fresh air. Cycling, walking, hiking, swimming, or running are excellent options that will increase production of endorphins.

Avoid self-medicating.

When in emotional pain the desire to numb the suffering with a substance like alcohol or drugs is understandable. However, self-medicating with a substance will usually backfire. If you overindulge in alcohol you will likely experience painful hangovers. If you begin using a substance regularly you then risk developing a substance use disorder.

A Higher Level of Care May be Appropriate

When the depressive state is so exacerbated by the loss it may be necessary to seek a higher standard of care. This becomes apparent when outpatient interventions do not diminish the symptoms. Intense depression can impact health, due to loss of sleep, loss of appetite, loss of interest, and increased thoughts of death or suicide. When grieving is coupled with depression and results in significant impairment, then it is time to consider a residential mental health program.

Residential care provides a quiet, comforting space for someone with depression to heal from a terrible loss. These programs feature an intimate caseload, allowing you to receive personalized care from a compassionate clinical staff. This setting also protects against attempts to inflict self-harm.

About the Author

Steven Booth is the CEO and Founder of Elevation Behavioral Health in Agoura Hills, CA . Steven earned his B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara in Economics. Before helping to co-found Elevation Behavioral Health, Steven worked in both private and public accounting. Like many others, Steven has seen firsthand the destruction that addiction can inflict on family and friends. He has also witnessed the extraordinary changes that can be made when addicts receive the necessary treatment. His passion is providing outstanding mental health care through his facility, and improving the quality of life of clients.