It’s normal to experience grief after a loss, such as the death of a friend or family member. In most cases, these emotions gradually improve over time. But if you’re still living with the symptoms of grief months or years later, you may have what’s known as “complicated grief,” “prolonged grief,” “chronic grief,” or “persistent complex bereavement disorder.”
Many people with complicated grief report feeling “stuck” in life. They often find it difficult to get back into their normal routine, and they may have a hard time finding enjoyment in the activities they once loved. Although there’s no definitive length of time that must have passed for grief to be considered complicated, many professionals contemplate a diagnosis after six months.
Who Experiences this type of grief?
Complicated grief can affect anyone. With that said, certain circumstances can make this type of grief more likely to occur. For example, you may have a higher chance of experiencing complicated grief if:
- You had a close relationship with the individual who passed away (or conversely, if you had a difficult relationship with that person).
- Your loved one passed unexpectedly or in an especially traumatic way.
- You don’t have a strong support system.
- You’re experiencing stress in other areas of your life.
- You’ve previously experienced depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or separation anxiety.
- You experienced trauma during childhood (e.g., abuse or neglect).
Different people follow different paths through the grieving experience. The order and timing of these phases may vary from person to person:
- Accepting the reality of your loss
- Allowing yourself to experience the pain of your loss
- Adjusting to a new reality in which the deceased is no longer present
- Having other relationships
These differences are normal. But if you’re unable to move through these stages more than a year after the death of a loved one, you may have complicated grief.
Schedule a Therapy Appointment
If you’re experiencing complicated grief—or any other type of grief—you can rely on our experienced therapists to help you heal from your loss. Contact us today, and one of our compassionate team members can answer your questions and arrange a time for you to attend an initial therapy appointment.
