I often appreciate Dr. Wilkes inside take on the medical community's blessings and faults in his Inside Medicine column of the Sacramento Bee newspaper. Here is a portion of today's article on complicated grief and the health issues it can lead to. He strongly recommends the medical community sit up and take notice of the risks for recently bereaved individuals to become ill, and to take advantage of the appropriative support services, perhaps even before things get out of hand. In our community these services include bereavement workshops and one-on-one counseling with trained volunteers with Sierra Hospice (530-258-3412); as well as bereavement & health information counseling with myself, Janis Davies, Cert. Whole Health Educator (530-258-0377, #2). One can also seek local services from Plumas County Mental Health, or Kathleen Hughes, LCSW (530-596-4857).
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Inside Medicine: Grief can lead to health woes if not addressed
By Dr. Michael Wilkes -
Published 12:00 am PST Sunday, January 13, 2008
Is bereavement – a profound sadness – a disease? While it probably is not, the death of a spouse ranks as one of life's most stressful events.
Research has shown that the period following the loss of a significant loved one is associated with premature death, the onset of other illnesses, intense suffering and a high use of doctor's services.
Such physical and mental ailments are by no means universal, and studies suggest that profound grief reactions (such as suicide) are more common among certain groups based on risk factors.
(The author goes on to list these risk factors.)Perhaps we need to think about "preventive bereavement" – an attempt by the medical community to reach out early to those at risk for serious reaction to grief.
I do not mean to suggest that all bereavement requires medical attention, because it does not. Grief is a normal reaction after a profound loss. But when bereavement becomes severe, or there is reason to worry that a person is at high risk for mental or physical deterioration, then physicians, social workers, hospice workers, clergy, counselors and even an occasional prescription drug can help ease the suffering.
For doctors, the message is that the loss of a loved one should raise a red flag that there may be a need for close follow-up.
For patients, remember that you don't need to go this alone. Doctors can help you find well-trained experts who can help. (See the resources noted above.)
Go to: Sacbee / Back to story - complete article here
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