Understanding Ambiguous Loss in 2025: Navigating Grief Amid Global Uncertainty

Ambiguous loss is a profound form of grief that occurs without clear closure or resolution. Coined by Dr. Pauline Boss in the 1970s, this concept describes situations where a person experiences loss without the traditional markers of death or finality. Such losses can be particularly challenging because they often go unrecognized by others, leading to feelings of isolation and confusion.

Types of Ambiguous Loss

Dr. Boss identifies two primary types of ambiguous loss:

1. Physical Absence with Psychological Presence: This occurs when a person is physically absent but still psychologically present. Examples include a loved one who has gone missing, a spouse who has left without explanation, or a parent who has abandoned the family.

2. Psychological Absence with Physical Presence: In this case, a person is physically present but psychologically absent. This can manifest in conditions like Alzheimer's disease, brain injuries, or severe mental illnesses, where the individual's cognitive functions are impaired, leading to a loss of the person as they once were.

Recent Insights and Research

Recent studies have expanded our understanding of ambiguous loss, highlighting its impact on various populations and contexts:

• Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia: Research indicates that caregivers of individuals with dementia often experience ambiguous loss due to the gradual cognitive decline of their loved ones. This type of loss can lead to prolonged grief and challenges in caregiving.

• Impact of Social Movements: Social movements and societal changes can also lead to ambiguous loss. For instance, communities affected by systemic racism may experience a loss of safety and identity, which is difficult to address due to its abstract nature.

• Global Crises: Events like natural disasters, political unrest, and pandemics can create situations of ambiguous loss, where individuals lose their sense of normalcy and security without a clear endpoint.

Coping Strategies

Coping with ambiguous loss requires unique approaches, as traditional grieving processes may not apply. Here are some strategies:

• Acknowledge the Loss: Recognizing and naming the ambiguous loss can validate the feelings of grief and help individuals begin the healing process.

• Seek Support: Connecting with others who understand the experience, such as support groups or therapists, can provide comfort and reduce feelings of isolation.

• Practice Self-Care: Engaging in activities that promote well-being, such as exercise, mindfulness, and hobbies, can help individuals manage stress and maintain resilience.

• Create Meaning: Finding new ways to create meaning in life, such as through art, community involvement, or personal growth, can help individuals navigate the uncertainty of ambiguous loss.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you find that the feelings associated with ambiguous loss are overwhelming or persistent, it may be beneficial to seek professional help. Therapists trained in grief and loss can provide support and strategies tailored to your specific situation.

At Summit Family Therapy, we understand the complexities of ambiguous loss and are here to support you through your journey. If you're struggling with unresolved grief, consider reaching out to our team for guidance and assistance.

Sources

1. Boss, P. (1999). Ambiguous Loss: Learning to Live with Unresolved Grief. Harvard University Press.

2. Kucukkaragoz, H., & Meylani, R. (2024). Ambiguous losses and their traumatic effects: A qualitative synthesis of the research literature. Batı Anadolu Eğitim Bilimleri Dergisi, 15(2), 721-755.

3. Ahmed, A., & Forrester, A. (2025). Mental health challenges of enforced disappearances: A call for research and action. International Journal of Social Psychiatry.

4. Danon, A., Dekel, R., & Horesh, D. (2025). Between mourning and hope: A mixed-methods study of ambiguous loss and posttraumatic stress symptoms among partners of Israel Defense Force veterans. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 17(4), 795-804.

5. Testoni, I., et al. (2023). Ambiguous loss and disenfranchised grief in formal care settings: A study among dementia caregivers. Journal of Aging Studies, 61, 100986.

6. Kor, K. (2024). Responding to children's ambiguous loss in out-of-home care: A qualitative study. Child & Family Social Work, 29(1), 72-80.

7. Mac Conaill, S. (2025). Long-term experiences of intrapersonal loss, grief, and change in people with acquired brain injury: A phenomenological study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 47(5), 1012-1020.

8. Zasiekina, L., Abraham, A., & Zasiekin, S. (2023). Unambiguous definition of ambiguous loss: Exploring conceptual boundaries of physical and psychological types through content analysis. East European Journal of Psycholinguistics, 10(2), 182-200.

9. Breen, L. (2025). 'Few people thought grief was a worthy topic': Reflections on two decades of research in hospice and palliative care. The Australian Research Magazine.

Life Transitions: 8 Tips for Navigating Change with Grace and Resilience

What Is a Life Transition?

Life transitions are moments of change that invite us to pause and reflect on who we are and who we want to become. While transitions can happen at any stage of life, they often feel particularly intense during midlife, retirement, or other pivotal periods. It’s normal to feel uncertain, anxious, or even sad during these times—these emotions are part of what it means to be human.

Examples of Life Transitions:

• Getting married

• Pregnancy or becoming a parent

• Divorce or separation

• Leaving home or moving to a new place

• Empty nest syndrome

• Career change or job loss

• Health challenges or serious illness

• Significant loss (person, pet, or anything important)

• Retirement

Why Do Transitions Feel Overwhelming?

Change can feel like stepping into the unknown. Our minds naturally crave predictability, so when the familiar shifts, we may feel anxious, vulnerable, or even mourn the life we once had. Sometimes this stress can show up as trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, or even feelings of depression or anxiety. When it becomes too much to handle on your own, it may even meet the criteria for an adjustment disorder, which is a normal response to major life changes (O'Donnell et al., 2019).

Finding the Silver Lining

Though change can be challenging, it also carries opportunities for growth. Research shows that successfully navigating transitions can strengthen resilience, boost confidence, and increase emotional awareness (Peng et al., 2025). You may discover new skills, uncover what truly matters to you, or develop a deeper sense of self. Even transitions we didn’t choose can bring unexpected benefits.

Coping with Change: Evidence-Based Strategies

Here are ways to care for yourself and navigate life’s transitions with compassion and clarity:

1. Acknowledge Your Emotions: Allow yourself to feel whatever arises—fear, sadness, excitement, or relief. Naming your emotions validates them and begins the healing process.

2. Reach Out for Support: Lean on friends, family, or support groups. Sharing your experience reminds you that you are not alone.

3. Practice Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself. Adjusting to change takes time, and it’s okay to stumble along the way.

4. Take Care of Your Body: Sleep, nutrition, and movement all influence your emotional well-being. A healthy body supports a resilient mind.

5. Use Active Coping Strategies: Problem-solving, goal-setting, or positive reframing can help you feel more in control of your new circumstances (Sundqvist et al., 2024).

6. Reflect on Your Values: Clarifying what matters most to you can guide your decisions and help you move forward with intention.

7. Build New Routines: Small, consistent habits create stability amidst uncertainty.

8. Allow Yourself Time: Life transitions are a journey. Celebrate small wins and notice how you grow along the way.

When to Seek Professional Help

If the stress of change feels unmanageable, or if you notice persistent sadness, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm, reach out for professional support immediately. Therapists can provide a safe space to explore your emotions, develop coping strategies, and navigate life’s transitions with guidance and care (Novaković et al., 2025).

At Summit Family Therapy, we honor the courage it takes to face life’s transitions. You do not have to navigate these changes alone. Together, we can explore your feelings, clarify your goals, and help you move forward with hope and confidence.

Sources

1. O'Donnell, M. L., et al. (2019). Adjustment Disorder: Current Developments and Future Directions. International Review of Psychiatry.

2. Novaković, I. Z., et al. (2025). Mental health during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences.

3. Peng, M., et al. (2025). Relationships between emotional intelligence, mental resilience, and adjustment disorder in newly licensed registered nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing.

4. Sundqvist, A. J. E., et al. (2024). The influence of educational transitions on loneliness and mental health among emerging adults. Journal of Youth and Adolescence.

5. Parola, A., et al. (2025). Resources and personal adjustment for career transitions in adolescents. Journal of Vocational Behavior.

Integrating Nutrition and Lifestyle for Mental Health: A 2025 Update

Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and ADHD are prevalent, affecting millions globally. Recent research underscores the significant role of nutrition and lifestyle interventions in managing these conditions, offering complementary approaches to traditional pharmaceutical treatments.

🌱 Nutritional Psychiatry: A Growing Field

Nutritional psychiatry examines how dietary patterns and nutrients influence mental health. Studies indicate that dietary interventions can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. For instance, a meta-analysis revealed that dietary interventions significantly reduced depressive symptoms compared to control conditions.

Furthermore, a comprehensive review highlighted the potential of specific nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins, in managing mood disorders.

🥗 The Mediterranean Diet: A Protective Pattern

The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins, has been associated with improved mental health outcomes. Adherence to this diet correlates with lower levels of depression and anxiety.

Conversely, high consumption of ultra-processed foods has been linked to increased risk of mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of dietary choices in mental well-being.

🍬 Sugar and Addiction: Implications for Mental Health

Excessive sugar intake can impact brain chemistry, potentially leading to addictive behaviors. Research suggests that sugar consumption activates dopamine and opioid pathways in the brain, similar to addictive substances.

Additionally, low dopamine levels associated with sugar withdrawal may contribute to cravings and continued consumption, highlighting the need for mindful dietary habits.

💤 Sleep: A Cornerstone of Mental Health

Quality sleep is crucial for mental health. Studies indicate that sleep disturbances are bidirectionally related to mood disorders, with poor sleep contributing to and resulting from conditions like depression and anxiety.

Implementing good sleep hygiene practices—such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a restful environment, and limiting screen time before bed—can improve sleep quality and, by extension, mental health.

🏃‍♀️ Exercise: Enhancing Mood and Cognitive Function

Regular physical activity has been shown to elevate serotonin levels and regulate stress hormones, contributing to improved mood and cognitive function. Engaging in enjoyable activities, setting achievable goals, and exercising with a partner can enhance adherence and overall mental health benefits.

🧠 Integrating Approaches for Optimal Mental Health

Combining nutritional interventions with lifestyle modifications can accelerate therapeutic outcomes. For example, a ketogenic diet has shown promise in helping stabilizing mood and cognitive function in individuals with bipolar disorder.

Collaborating with healthcare providers trained in nutritional and integrative interventions can help individuals identify essential nutrients, develop personalized dietary strategies, and incorporate lifestyle changes to support mental health.

If you are interested in taking the next step in your mental and physical health, I have training in nutritional and integrative interventions. Give our office a call at 309-713-1485 or email info@summitfamily.net. I look forward to finding solution together!

Sources:

1. Opie RS, O’Neil A, Itsiopoulos C, et al. The impact of whole-of-diet interventions on depression and anxiety: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Public Health Nutr. 2015;18(11):2074-2093. PMC6455094

2. Jacka FN, O’Neil A, Opie R, et al. A randomised controlled trial of dietary improvement for adults with major depression (the “SMILES” trial). BMC Med. 2017;15:23.

3. Harvard Health Publishing. Mediterranean diet may help ease depression. 2023.

4. Hall KD, et al. Ultra-processed diets cause excess calorie intake and weight gain: an inpatient randomized controlled trial of ad libitum food intake. Cell Metab. 2019;30(1):67-77.

5. Lenoir M, et al. Intense sweetness surpasses cocaine reward. PLoS One. 2007;2(7):e698.

6. Kessler RC, Bromet EJ. The epidemiology of depression across cultures. Annu Rev Public Health. 2013;34:119-138.

7. Stanford Medicine. Sleep and mental health: What the science says. 2025.

8. Verywell Mind. What is sleep hygiene? 2024.

9. News-Medical.net. UCLA Health launches study on ketogenic diet for bipolar disorder in youth. 2025.

10. The Guardian. Metabolism and diet linked to bipolar depression, scientists say. 2024.

Nutritional and Integrative Interventions

Nutritional and Integrative Interventions 

(Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar and ADHD)

How often do we read these mental health statistics and think that the only “cures” are pharmaceutical interventions?

• Anxiety disorders are most common mental illness in US affecting 40 million adults (ADAA)

• Depression affects 322 million adults worldwide

• 1 of every 6 adults will suffer depression in their lifetime

Nutritional psychology is an emerging field that outlines how nutrients can affect mood and behavior.  Many clients will see a reduction in symptoms when integrating non-pharmaceutical interventions to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and even ADHD.

It is possible to accelerate your therapeutic results by viewing the whole person:

1. Food: the good, the bad and the fake 

2. Stress: A holistic approach 

3. Exercise: Elevate serotonin and regulate stress hormones 

4. Sleep: The 4 habits critical to sleep

Research shows that Mediterranean lifestyle--diet, physical activity, and socializing helps improve mental health/depression.

• Sugar addiction--sugar as a substance releases opioids and dopamine which suggest an addictive potential

• Fake nutrition--alcohol, junk food, snacks, sugar, soft drinks, white foods

• Stress management--meditation, exercise, deep breathing, mindfulness, music, “ditch the screens”

• Exercise--pick activity you enjoy, find a buddy, set a goal, start out slow

• 4 Sleep habits--adults need 7-9 hours of sleep in a dark, cool room.  No caffeine after noon.  Avoid electronic devices one hour before bedtime.  Create a bedtime ritual.

“Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food.”---Hippocrates

S.A.D.--Standard American Diet is not recommended

• High--Meat at center of plate, processed foods and simple carbohydrates

• Low--healthy fats, fruits and vegetables

Healthy fats are important for brain health--avocado, coconut oil, EVOO, ghee

Proteins are important for brain health--fish, grass fed beef, eggs, nuts, seeds legumes

You can greatly increase your therapeutic results by addressing core physical and nutritional needs with a qualified counselor.  You will discover the nutrients most essential to healthy brain function, treating depression and anxiety, and learn simple strategies that can be integrated with pharmaceutical interventions.  

We have just scratched the surface here.  There is so much more research and information about nutrition and mental health available.  Professional counselors want to help you decipher and incorporate these practices into your life.

If you are interested in taking the next step in your mental and physical health, I have training in nutritional and integrative interventions. Give our office a call at 309-713-1485 or email info@summitfamily.net. I look forward to finding solution together!

Ambiguous Loss: What Is It?

Ambiguous Loss: What Is It?

Dr. Pauline Boss, PhD, from University of Minnesota, has spent most of her career studying and writing books about ambiguous loss.  Have you considered how your life be impacted by an ambiguous loss? The following article is a brief summary of her findings:

What is an Ambiguous Loss?

• Loss that remains unclear

• Ongoing and without clear ending

• Can’t be clarified, cured, or fixed

• Ambiguous loss can be physical or psychological, but there is incongruence between absence/presence

• Contextual: The pathology lies in a context or environment of ambiguity (pandemic, racism)

Two Types of Ambiguous Loss

1. Physical Absence with Psychological Presence--Leaving without saying goodbye

   • Catastrophic: disappeared, kidnapped, MIA

   • More common: leaving home, divorce, adoption, deployment, immigration

2. Psychological Absence with Physical Presence--Goodbye without leaving

• Catastrophic: Alzeimer’s disease and of  dementias, brain injury, autism, addiction

• More Common: homesickness, affairs, work, phone obsessions/gaming, preoccupation with absent loved one

What Ambiguous Loss is NOT:

• Death

• Grief disorder

• PTSD

• Complicated grief

• Ambivalence (different that ambiguous)

Examples of Ambiguous Loss Caused by Pandemic--loss of who we have been, what we have been doing, having control over lives, loss of our world view as safe place.

• Our usual agency

• Control over our usual personal, family, and work life

• Our in person relationships

• Our job; loss of money and financial security

• Our sense of safety

• The ability to control how much time we spend with family and friends

• Ability to gather physically together in large numbers for worship, sports, concerts

Are you struggling with ambiguous loss? Our team of professionals at Summit Family Therapy can help. Give our office a call at 309-713-1485 or email info@summitfamily.net. You do not have to go through this alone.