Grief is a deeply personal experience, and everyone processes loss differently. For some, the pain of losing a loved one begins to lessen over time, but for others, that pain can become overwhelming and prolonged. If you have been grieving for an extended period or feel stuck in your grief, you might be wondering if your experience is something more than what is commonly understood as “normal grief.”
In this blog post, we will explore what complicated grief is and how it differs from prolonged grief disorder. We will also discuss when to seek help and how mental health professionals can support you in navigating your grief. Solstice Healthcare is here to support you in your grief journey, no matter where in that journey you are, by offering comprehensive therapy services and medication management no matter where you are in Connecticut.
What Is Complicated Grief?
Complicated grief, sometimes referred to as persistent complex bereavement disorder, is a condition where the pain of loss does not improve with time, but instead continues to interfere with a person’s ability to function in their daily life. This type of grief can manifest as intense sorrow, preoccupation with the loss, difficulty accepting the death, and a sense of disbelief that lasts for months or even years after the loss has occurred.
While grief is often accompanied by feelings of sadness, anger, and anxiety, complicated grief is more persistent and severe. It can lead to feelings of being “stuck” in the mourning process, making it difficult to move forward in life and find joy in everyday experiences.
What Is Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)?
Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) is a more recently recognized condition and is characterized by an intense, debilitating form of grief that lasts for at least 12 months following a significant loss, and it can severely impair an individual’s ability to function.
Unlike typical grief, which tends to diminish over time, PGD involves a prolonged sense of yearning for the deceased person, difficulty accepting the loss, and a lack of emotional adjustment. Those with PGD may also experience symptoms similar to depression and anxiety, such as feelings of hopelessness, trouble sleeping, and an inability to focus on anything besides the loss.
Key Differences Between Complicated Grief and Prolonged Grief Disorder
While complicated grief and prolonged grief disorder share many common characteristics, they have distinct features that set them apart:
- Duration of Grief
- Complicated Grief: Grief becomes complicated when it lasts for an extended period (typically 6 months or longer) but is not necessarily marked by the severity of symptoms seen in PGD. Individuals with complicated grief may continue to mourn, but they might still be able to maintain some level of functioning in their daily lives.
- Prolonged Grief Disorder: PGD lasts for at least 12 months and can cause significant impairment in one’s ability to carry out day-to-day activities. The grief is overwhelming and interferes with personal relationships, work, and other essential areas of life.
- Intensity of Symptoms
- Complicated Grief: While the emotional pain in complicated grief is intense, it may not be as extreme as in PGD. People with complicated grief often feel deep sadness and longing but are not necessarily experiencing severe symptoms like depression or suicidal thoughts.
- Prolonged Grief Disorder: PGD symptoms are more intense and can mimic severe depression or anxiety, including feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or persistent panic. Individuals with PGD may struggle with severe emotional and physical symptoms that disrupt their ability to function.
- Focus on the Loss
- Complicated Grief: Individuals with complicated grief may experience persistent thoughts about the loved one, but they also recognize the need to move forward. There is often an awareness that they need help but may struggle to seek it out.
- Prolonged Grief Disorder: Those with PGD often experience an ongoing preoccupation with the deceased. They might avoid reminders of the loss, or, conversely, they may feel compelled to keep the deceased person’s memory alive in ways that prevent emotional healing.
When to Seek Help for Complicated or Prolonged Grief
While grief is a natural response to loss, complicated grief and prolonged grief disorder are not something that individuals should have to cope with alone. If your grief feels unmanageable or if you are struggling to find hope, it may be time to seek help from a mental health professional. Solstice Healthcare and its providers are here to offer that support for you in your journey.
Here are some signs that you may need support:
- You feel unable to move forward in life and struggle with daily tasks or responsibilities.
- You experience extreme emotions such as guilt, anger, or an inability to accept the loss.
- You cannot stop thinking about the deceased and find it difficult to focus on anything else.
- Your physical health or relationships are suffering due to the intensity of your grief.
Treatment for Complicated Grief and Prolonged Grief Disorder
There are various treatment options available to help individuals coping with complicated grief or PGD. Here are some of the most common:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This therapeutic approach helps individuals change unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors. CBT can be particularly helpful in addressing the negative thoughts associated with grief and guiding individuals through healthy coping strategies.
- Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT): This form of therapy specifically targets complicated grief by helping individuals process their grief in a safe and supportive environment. CGT aims to bring closure to the loss while encouraging emotional healing.
- Medication: In some cases, antidepressants or other medications may be prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms of depression or anxiety associated with grief.
- Support Groups: Group therapy or peer support groups allow individuals to connect with others who understand their experiences. Shared stories can offer comfort and insight during the grieving process.
In Conclusion
Grief is a challenging and personal journey, and it is different for everyone. While some people experience a more typical grieving process, others may find that their grief becomes complicated or prolonged. Understanding the differences between complicated grief and prolonged grief disorder is key to recognizing when professional help is needed.
If you find that your grief is overwhelming or interfering with your life, you do not have to go through it alone. Solstice Healthcare can help. We accept all major insurances including Harvard Pilgrim, Cigna, and Aetna, so do not hesitate to reach out to our team and complete a new patient form to get started today.
