Complicated Grief

 The experience of grief is not something a person ever recovers from completely, but time typically tempers its intensity. The term complicated grief refers to a persistent form of bereavement that dominates a person's life, interfering with daily functioning for an extended period of time.

Symptoms of complicated grief are nearly identical to those of acute grief, and again, the length of time it takes for a person to grieve is highly variable and dependent on context. But when symptoms are interminable without improvement, lasting for at least one year or more and interfering with one's ability to return to routine activities, complicated grief may be implicated. Prolonged symptoms may include:

• Intense sadness

• Preoccupation with the deceased or with the circumstances surrounding the death

• Longing or yearning

• Feelings of emptiness or meaninglessness

• Difficulty engaging in happy memories

• Avoidance of reminders of the deceased

• Lack of desire in pursuing personal interests or plans

• Bitterness or anger

If you think you're experiencing this type of grief, seek a certified counselor to assist in your recovery.

Source: goodtherapy.org