What is complicated grief?
Grief is a common and natural response to the loss of something or someone. The symptoms that come with grief are considered typical when they lessen over a year. Grief is nonlinear, but typical grief can turn into complicated grief, clinically referred to as prolonged grief disorder, when symptoms last over 12 months.
Complicated grief might occur after a traumatic or sudden loss, like the loss of a child.
An estimated 7-10% of adults will experience persistent symptoms of complicated grief disorder. Whether complicated or typical, grief is a very real and valid feeling that may need support from a professional.
Let’s look at a fictional example of what someone may experience when they have complicated grief. Mary Ellen grieves the loss of her husband, who she lived a long and beautiful life with for 26 years. Two weeks after the loss, Mary Ellen experiences sadness, anger and confusion.
On the anniversary of her husband’s passing, Mary Allen finds herself unable to talk or think about him. She can’t even bring herself to pull out the old photo albums of their memories. Mary Ellen feels guilt, shame and extreme sadness, many months after his passing.
6 signs you may need complicated grief support
Feeling stuck in your grief for months or years
Complicated grief happens when the duration and intensity of symptoms extend past what is typical. The difference between typical grief and complicated grief is that symptoms of common grief will decrease over time, but symptoms of complicated grief might increase over time.
Experiencing symptoms that make daily life hard
Those suffering from complicated grief may experience obsessive thoughts, with little ability to focus on anything else. Clients’ symptoms may leave them unable to complete their daily tasks or routines. The symptoms of complicated grief can cause a change in social, educational, occupational or other essential aspects of daily life.
Feeling numb or hopeless
Another sign of complicated grief disorder includes feeling numb to the events of day-to-day life. Clients also might find themselves feeling that life is meaningless. This could also include experiencing an absence of any emotional experience.
Feeling intense guilt or self-blame
Clients might find themselves having “what if …” thoughts. They might also think that something could have changed the results of the event. Having “what if …” thoughts could also include obsessively wishing that you did something different, or making self-attributions about the grief-inducing event.
Engaging in self-isolation
Clients might also notice that they feel too exhausted or burned out to engage with others. This exhausted feeling could leave them with a desire to self-isolate as a coping strategy. Grief might make you want to spend all your time alone. However, social isolation has harmful effects on mental health. This can include worsening of depression, anxiety and/or suicidal thoughts.
Experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Sometimes, this can manifest as wishing you had died along with your loved one. If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal ideation due to complicated grief, call 911 or emergency services right away. Call or text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
How Lightfully Behavioral Health can help
At Lightfully, a mental health treatment center, we see our clients as more than their diagnoses. If you are struggling with complicated grief and looking for deeply compassionate support, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team today. Our expert clinicians will provide a comprehensive and inclusive, fully personalized treatment plan that focuses on a more balanced and meaningful life for you.
At Lightfully, we use a Precision Care Model (PCM) to offer multiple levels of care that meet you where you are and ensure the right support along the way. In a Virtual Partial Hospitalization Program (vPHP), you’ll receive at least 20 hours of evidence-based treatment each week from licensed therapists and psychiatrists, from the comfort of your home.
Lightfully offers virtual mental health care designed for clients with unique needs and schedules. Our vPHP provides a thoughtful balance of client autonomy and structured support, helping you heal while staying connected to your daily life.
If these symptoms of complicated grief are like those you or a loved one is experiencing, you are not alone. At Lightfully, our framework consists of data-driven, clearly defined and whole-person-centered care. Our team of exceptionally equipped and compassionate experts is here to help you take the next steps toward the fullest, brightest version of you.
Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team today.
