Mental Health World Conference 2026

Scientific Sessions

Grief, Bereavement, and Complicated Loss

At the Mental Health World Conference (MHWC 2026), this session explores the psychological impacts of grief, which are universal yet deeply personal. Topics include normal versus prolonged grief, cultural variations in mourning, and therapeutic approaches for clients experiencing loss due to suicide, pandemics, or conflict.

Furthermore, the discussion will explore the biological and psychological mechanisms associated with grief, including the process of attachment disruption, emotional dysregulation, and trauma-related reactions that might cause complicated or prolonged grief disorder. Notably, professionals will emphasize the importance of considering the age of grieving individuals as part of the development process that can help with coping with loss and adapting to new circumstances.

Moreover, culturally and spiritually sensitive aspects of bereavement care will be considered since it is crucial to acknowledge that the way people experience and express their mourning is unique to their cultural or spiritual background. Finally, the significance of social networks, peer relationships, and cultural rituals will be examined because they can significantly contribute to the healing and recovery process.
It will also be essential to pay attention to evidence-based approaches to treating complicated or prolonged grief, such as cognitive-behavioral grief therapy, trauma-focused counseling, and group therapy. Moreover, telehealth will be discussed as one method that can assist patients who face difficulties accessing mental health resources.

Related Sessions

Diagnosis and Treatment of Mood Disorders
Schizophrenia and Psychotic Spectrum Disorders
Anxiety, OCD, and Trauma Related Disorders
Substance Use Disorders and Dual Diagnosis
Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention
Neurodevelopmental Disorders: ADHD, Autism, and Learning Disabilities
Geriatric Psychiatry and Cognitive Disorders
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Emerging Trends
AI and Machine Learning in Mental Health Prediction
Change Mechanisms and Individualized Therapy
Intersectionality and Mental Health: Race, Gender, Identity, and Class
Mental Health in Special Populations
Epigenetics and Mental Health: From Mechanism to Intervention
Climate Change, Eco-Anxiety, and Psychological Resilience
Mental Health Economics and Health Systems Integration
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies: Clinical Trials and Ethical Frontiers
Grief, Bereavement, and Complicated Loss
Mental Health and Nutrition
Workplace Mental Health and Organizational Psychology
Legal, Ethical, and Human Rights Issues in Mental Health
Spirituality, Religion, and Mental Well-being
Digital Addiction and Mental Health in the Tech Age