Understanding prolonged, complicated or traumatic grief

The experience of losing a loved one through death is one of the most emotionally challenging times in our lives. Grief is a normal reaction to this loss, and for most people their grief becomes more integrated and manageable as we adjust and adapt to the loss.  

For others, they may feel stuck in grief and develop a more prolonged and disabling grief reaction. This can continue for months or even years. These intense thoughts and feelings may be referred to as prolonged grief disorder (PGD) or complicated grief. These terms can be used interchangeably. In recent years the term ‘prolonged grief disorder’ and become a formal diagnosis that can be made when grief has become stuck and persistent for a person, related to a death from at least 6 months ago.

Prolonged grief disorder is more likely to develop following certain circumstances associated with the loss, for example: violent, traumatic, un-timely death or the loss of a child or a spouse.

Prolonged grief disorder symptoms 

 Prolonged grief disorder can be difficult to identify and diagnose given the similarities of feelings of flatness, sadness and numbness that are associated with depression. Also, if there are traumatic circumstances related to the loss, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can also present, often in additional to someone’s grief symptoms.

 Prolonged grief disorder symptoms also include: 

• Yearning and longing for the person who has died
• Preoccupation with thoughts & memories of their loved one
• Difficulty accepting the death 
• Intense emotional pain, for example: sadness, guilt, anger, denial, blame or emotional numbness
• Withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities as well as everyday activities such as eating, shopping, and returning to work.  
• Feeling alone and detached from others
• Feeling that life is meaningless, or as though a part f yourself has died

Every person experiences grief in different ways. Symptoms of grief that persist for at least six months after the loss can be indicative of a complicated or prolonged grief disorder.

Access prolonged grief disorder therapy through TALKWORKS 

When feelings of grief persist for at least six months after a loss, it may be time to seek support. TALKWORKS offer an evidenced based therapy called prolonged grief disorder therapy and resources to support adults aged 18+ in Devon (excluding Plymouth which is covered by Plymouth Options). 

If you would like to explore the mental health support available through TALKWORKS, you can refer yourself using our online self-referral form. You can also call our friendly team on 0300 555 3344, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.  

You do not need to go through this by yourself.