How to Cope With a Compounded Grief

Grief is a difficult and terrible emotion born from a tragic moment. Add another tragedy that reaches back and reminds someone of sorrow they have not yet healed from and this is called compounded grief. Compounded grief is also known as complicated grief and can delay the cycle of healing. Issues such as no confirmation of death, a missing body to bury or financial issues after a sudden death are known to develop double waves of pain and compounded grief that last and grow in severity. With steps of healing, grief can be addressed and worked through a little at a time.

Things You'll Need

• Therapeutic services

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Seek professional help. Reach out to a therapist or counselor. Talking with a professional can help identify the sources of grief. Therapists will be able to determine the causes of the current grief and the previous grief that is being brought back to the surface. For example, visiting a sick friend in a clinic could trigger grief from seeing a loved one who died in a hospital. Consider what options are available through your insurance and employee assistance programs. Professional psychiatrists and psychologists should be the first choice; however, clergy and guidance counselors also can help by offering guidance.

• 2

  Consult the prescribed plan. A therapist or counselor may prescribe medications, group therapy or specific action plans to address the grief. Some individuals fall off the plan, either from momentary feelings without grief or succumbing to the waves of emotional pain. The plans must be followed and continued as directed to gain the maximum goal: working through the compounded grief.

• 3

  Exercise. Physical exertion can aid the mind and body in dealing with negative emotions that go hand-in-hand with grief, such as depression and stress. Exercise can lift spirits and focus one's mind through the cloudiness of compounded grief. If there was a former exercise routine, ease back into it. If there is no pre-established routine, consult a doctor before starting physical exercise. As you exert your body for the benefit of exercise, also remember to get plenty of rest. Sleep and time to relax are key to healing from compounded grief and help boost a positive mental attitude.

• 4

  Provide the body with proper nourishment in addition to exercising the body. Avoid foods that have little or no nutrition. During periods of grieving, one may desire high amounts of caffeine, fatty foods and large amounts of sugar.

• 5

  Spend time with loved ones. Being in the presence of family and friends is important as it reminds the grieving person of positive emotions, such as love, happiness and joy. Being with loved ones also can spread the compounded grief among a group to alleviate the sheer weight of it from one person's shoulders. Being able to talk about and express one's pain to caring ears is very important to begin the cycle of healing.