Equality Act: Does prolonged grief disorder as a mental health condition be considered a disability?
Grief is a natural response to loss, whether it be the loss of a loved one, a job, a home, or even a pet. It is a complex and often overwhelming emotion that can take a toll on a person’s mental and physical health. While grief is a normal and healthy process, it can sometimes become disabling.
But when does grief become considered a disability? In this blog, we will explore the signs and symptoms of prolonged grief disorder and how it can impact a person’s ability, physical or mental, to function in their daily life.
Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)
Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) is a condition that occurs when a person experiences intense and persistent grief symptoms for a prolonged period of time. This disorder is also known as complicated grief or persistent complex bereavement disorder.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), PGD is characterized by persistent and intense grief lasting for more than 12 months after the death of a loved one. The individual in grief may experience feelings of emptiness, disbelief, anger, guilt, and hopelessness.
Symptoms of PGD
The symptoms of PGD are similar to those of normal grief, but they are more intense and prolonged. Some common symptoms of PGD include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, or worthlessness
- Preoccupation with thoughts of the deceased
- Avoidance of reminders of the deceased; mourning
- Difficulty accepting the reality of the loss
- Feeling detached from others
- Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
- Difficulty carrying out daily activities
Impact on Daily Life and impairment
PGD can significantly impact a person’s ability to function in their daily life. The intense and persistent symptoms can make it difficult for individuals to carry out their daily activities, such as going to work, taking care of themselves, and maintaining relationships with others. It can lead to stress disorder and increase the risk of major depression. People with complicated grief can face numbness and be affected in their normal day-to-day activities.
PGD can also affect a person’s mental and physical health. People with PGD are at an increased risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. They may also experience physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and a weakened immune system. Symptoms of grief and depression can have an adverse effect and cause mental impairment and make it difficult for them to return to work. This is the criteria for complicated grief.
When Does Complicated Grief Become a Disability?
Grief becomes a disability when it significantly interferes with a person’s ability to function in their daily life. If a person is experiencing intense and persistent grief symptoms for more than 12 months after the death of a loved one, they may have PGD.
It is important to seek professional help if you are experiencing prolonged grief symptoms. A mental health professional can provide support and treatment to help manage the symptoms of PGD and improve a person’s ability to function in their daily life.
Conclusion: Get help in cases of major depression
Grief is a normal and healthy process, but it can become disabling when it persists for an extended period of time. Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) is a condition that occurs when a person experiences intense and persistent grief symptoms for more than 12 months after the death of a loved one.
It is important to come to terms with the loss so it does not have a substantial adverse effect like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. If you are experiencing significant distress, a sense of disbelief or any other prolonged grief symptoms, it is important to seek professional help and get complicated grief treatment. A mental health professional can provide support and treatment to help manage the symptoms of PGD and improve a person’s ability to function in their daily life.
