The Overlooked Impact of Grief on Mental Health and Crisis Response
- Change Pointe Counseling & Consulting
- Jun 12
- 1 min read
Grief is more than sadness—it can be a major mental health crisis, especially for individuals already struggling with anxiety, depression, or other diagnoses. When someone experiences the death of a loved one, their emotional and psychological stability can quickly unravel. Here's what the research tells us:
Grief Magnifies Mental Health Struggles
40–60% of grieving individuals face symptoms of major depression within the first year.
30–50% report anxiety symptoms like panic, restlessness, and worry.
Traumatic or sudden losses—like suicide or accidents—can result in PTSD for up to 25% of the bereaved.
When Grief Becomes Dangerous
People already managing mental health conditions are especially vulnerable. For them, grief can:
Trigger psychiatric crises
Lead to relapse in substance use
Increase risk of suicidal ideation or attempts (up to 2.5x more likely)
Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)
While grief is natural, about 7–10% develop prolonged, complicated grief—marked by ongoing emotional pain, detachment, and difficulty moving forward. This number jumps to 30% in those with existing mental health diagnoses.
Physical & Social Toll
Up to 70% of grieving individuals report sleep problems, which intensify mood issues.
Many isolate, withdrawing from support systems just when they need them most.
What Can Help?
Grief-informed therapy makes a difference. Tools like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the Grief Recovery Method, and trauma-informed approaches help people process loss and reclaim their lives. Support groups and peer connections are also critical.
If you or someone you know is struggling with grief and mental health, we’re here to help.
📍 Change Pointe Counseling & Consulting
📞 (620) 982-2093 |
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