ABSTRACT
Through the discussion of case histories, this chapter assists the professional in assessing grief behaviors apart from mental illness and the use of medications in the treatment of complicated grief. It also explains the shame of mental illness, the implications upon the grief process when death triggers unresolved trauma, successes and failures in therapy, and the importance of working in concert with other professionals. When cases are extraordinarily challenging, collaboration with other professionals, family members, and other trusted individuals is essential not only to provide the best treatment available, but to preserve the professional from burnout. Issues of confidentiality, obtaining permission to collect or release information, collaboration, and the value of educating professionals and family members about the grief process were paramount to the success of cases presented. A routine part of the author’s practice incorporates the use of collaborative communication with the family physician.
