Understanding Traumatic Grief – Najwa Awad | ISNACON 2019
- Najwa Awad
- Oct 27, 2019
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 16
At a Glance
What is traumatic grief and how is it different?
Traumatic grief occurs when a loss is experienced as both a bereavement and a traumatic event. In addition to the sadness of grief, a person may struggle with intense shock, disbelief, intrusive memories, fear, or difficulty processing what happened. The trauma can complicate the grieving process, making it harder to adapt to the loss and move toward healing.
How can you cope with sudden loss and trauma?
Coping with sudden loss begins by recognizing that grief has no set timeline. Healing is often a gradual process that unfolds over time. Turning to Allah through du'a, dhikr, prayer, and seeking support from trusted loved ones or professionals can help people navigate the pain of loss.
What are the symptoms of traumatic grief?
Traumatic grief may include shock, disbelief, emotional numbness, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, intense sadness, or difficulty accepting the reality of the loss. Many people experience a sense that the loss "doesn't feel real" in the early stages of grief.
How does trauma affect the grieving process?
Trauma can complicate grief by adding symptoms such as fear, intrusive memories, or emotional overwhelm to the pain of loss. Because grief and trauma often interact, the healing process may be more complex and look different from person to person.
What are healthy ways to process grief?
Healthy grieving involves allowing yourself to experience emotions without judging them or forcing them to follow a specific timeline. Prayer, du'a, seeking support, reflecting on faith, and, when needed, professional counseling can all support the healing process.
Can therapy help with traumatic grief?
Yes. Therapy can help individuals process both the trauma and the grief associated with a loss. Many people find that combining professional support with spiritual practices such as du'a, dhikr, and Qur'an recitation provides a more comprehensive approach to healing.
How long does traumatic grief last?
There is no universal timeline for traumatic grief. Each person's experience is unique, and healing may take months or years depending on the circumstances of the loss, available support, and individual coping factors.
How can you support someone experiencing grief?
One of the most helpful things you can do is listen with compassion and avoid pressuring the person to "move on" or grieve in a certain way. Offering practical support, acknowledging their pain, and reminding them they do not have to carry it alone can be deeply meaningful.
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