The article offers important insights into the process of dealing with grief and loss by guiding the caregiver to diagnose grief in an individual and develop the appropriate remedial measures. Some people experience uncomplicated grief and go through the normal stages of grief while others experience complicated grief to the extent that they fail to be reconciled with the loss (Howarth, 2011). Diagnosing grief is often problematic for caregivers. However, the information provided in the article can enable the caregiver to understand the symptoms of complicated or uncomplicated grief and help the affected individual through the healing process. Moreover, the article underscores the significance of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in the diagnosis of grief. The caregiver could use the diagnostic criteria provided in the article to understand the factors that make it difficult for an individual to come to terms with the loss and move on. Additionally, the article’s insights on the treatment approaches to both complicated and uncomplicated grief are critical in building capacities of caregivers in grief management. Some of the treatment approaches that caregivers ought to understand include complicated grief treatment with interpersonal therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (Howarth, 2011). The two therapies have been incorporated into novel treatment models for a wide range of psychiatric conditions. Lastly, the article exposes new research gaps in the field of grief management and psychology as a whole. Therefore, caregivers can explore the research gaps in an attempt to develop best practices in the treatment of grief. While the article has highlighted some of the common treatment approaches to the treatment of grief, it has also acknowledged the limitations of some of those approaches hence exhorting further research on the same. In summary, the article provides relevant information to caregivers on the treatment therapies and approaches to the management of grief.
Grief is a common phenomenon in life because every individual experiences grief at a particular point in time. Therefore, the information on the management of grief as expressed in the article can be applied in the community to help individuals manage their grief without adversely affecting the rest of their lives. Caregivers and other social workers can apply the information on grief management to re-build communities in times of turmoil or loss. The psycho-education offered in the article is helpful for social workers working with large groups of people. In essence, social workers can apply the education on grief management to help people normalize their reactions when they experience loss and develop a better understanding of the biopsychosocial effects of loss in their lives (Näppä, Lundgren & Axelsson, 2016). The information provided in the article extends beyond the realms of counselling and can help communities to care about themselves without necessarily relying on caregivers. For instance, community members can establish their places of public mourning to help them validate the need for collective mourning. The insights in the article can also be used to debunk the common myths and stereotypes associated with mourning. In some societies, mourning is shunned or perceived as a sign of weakness. Therefore, there is an increased risk of individuals developing PTSD in such communities. Hence, social workers can enlighten the community on the need to mourn as an emotional release mechanism necessary for lowering the risk of PTSD. Furthermore, the information can be applied in setting up networks of community support for people dealing with grief. Such networks can become important avenues for people and communities in grief to reach out and become strengthened (Näppä, Lundgren & Axelsson, 2016). In summary, the insights offered in the article are applicable in the community, especially in assisting individuals to acknowledge the need for mourning. In addition, the information is crucial in setting up support networks to help people deal with grief or loss in a healthy manner.
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One of the greatest strength of the article is that the argument is anchored in empirical research. The article draws from a wide range of sources to delineate the nature and pathogenesis of grief. The author acknowledges the works by other scholars and takes note of their limitations. The link to other sources of literature deepens the reader’s knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of grief. Additionally, the author underscores the long-term mental health consequences of not allowing the normal course of grieving to take place. The mental health consequences of grief form the basis of the article’s interventions. The efficacious interventions proposed in the study can lead to the desired mental health outcomes.
However, the article dwells much on the grief resulting from the loss of a loved one and ignores other causes of grief. Moreover, the article does not explain whether or not other types of grief follow the same patterns, manifest similar symptoms, or can be treated using the same approaches. For instance, grief can also result from divorce or pet loss (Cordaro, 2012). Additionally, the author does not explain whether the feelings of yearning, distress or emptiness that come with losing a loved one are also felt when an individual goes through a divorce or slumps into depression after losing their job or hope in life. Therefore, the author should have used more relatable examples of grief. While every individual has experienced the loss of a loved one, some types of grief are unique. For instance, an individual who has never been married may not understand the grief that comes with divorce. Overall, the author presents a strong argument on the nature, diagnosis and therapeutic approaches to grief.
References
Cordaro, M. (2012). Pet loss and disenfranchised grief: Implications for mental health counseling practice. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 34 (4), 283-294. doi:10.17744/mehc.34.4.41q0248450t98072
Howarth, R. (2011). Concepts and controversies in grief and loss. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 33 (1), 4-10. doi:10.17744/mehc.33.1.900m56162888u737
Näppä, U., Lundgren, A., & Axelsson, B. (2016). The effect of bereavement groups on grief, anxiety, and depression - a controlled, prospective intervention study. BMC Palliative Care, 15 (1). doi:10.1186/s12904-016-0129-0
