Shades of Grey: Coping with Grief and Mental Health

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By Cassie Steele

8.2% of the GDP in the UK is spent on healthcare, and mental health, including grief and depression, is the top category of expense. Loss is a natural shade to give depth to life’s palette; however, the loss of a loved one can have a serious impact on the mental health of an individual, especially if the individual has previously been diagnosed with mental health concerns. Ageing populations are most vulnerable.

Understanding Bereavement

The loss of a loved one is an extremely private and emotional ordeal. It is easy to feel like no one understands the pain, especially when the loss is someone of great significance such as a parent or spouse. The Institute of Aging in the US emphasises, “There are no rules about how you should feel. There is no right or wrong way to mourn”. For individuals dealing with mental illness, the process of grief can be more complex. In fact, it can often be misdiagnosed and mistreated as other ailments. Grief should be acknowledged and dealt with directly, to prevent other factors from slowing healing.

Coping with Grief

For any individual coping with grief, it is important to remain engaged in a regular routine and participate in social activities. Furthermore, maintaining a health regime can positively impact the impact and duration of a grief cycle. Most importantly, do not make any life-changing or impulsive decisions to further disrupt the healing process; excessive change can increase stress levels, even positive stress, and an imbalance can increase mental health symptoms and complicate the road to recovery. Moreover, it is important to recognise that grief is not something that someone just “gets over.” In fact, each expression of guilt is a naturally occurring expression of the human condition. Light cannot be perceived without the presence of shadow.

Caring for Others Grieving

If a friend or relative is dealing with a mental health issue while grieving, it is important to offer support and understanding. Also, plan ahead if possible. If a family member is terminally ill, provide resources and seek professional guidance. This will help prepare each individual for what is to come.

Ultimately, one must not allow grief to morph into guilt. Although a loved one has passed, it is important to remember that life goes on. The best tribute to a life lost is a life well lived.