Grieving encompasses more than death; it involves mourning lost abilities, relationships, and identity due to mental illness. The American Psychiatric Association's inclusion of prolonged grief disorder in 2022 has spurred greater recognition of grief's complexities. Patients often cling to past narratives, which can hinder their progress and provoke feelings of stagnation. Therapists must acknowledge and address how mental illness affects a patient's life and facilitate a grieving process for the losses incurred. Shifting focus towards the future rather than repetitive past analysis is vital for effective trauma treatment.
The loss of ability, relationships, and identity due to mental illness can create a profound layer of grief that is often overlooked.
Patients grieving the past must understand that holding onto a narrative of a better history can inhibit their ability to move forward.
Therapists are encouraged to explore the impact of mental illness on a patient’s life and the necessity of processing grief related to those losses.
Letting go of the past is essential in therapy, as repeatedly focusing on it can prevent growth and recovery from trauma.
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