- Losing a loved one is never easy and everyone experiences grief differently.
- While there is no set timeline for when normal grief becomes complicated grief, it does have a few distinctive features that can help you spot it when it does develop.
- Seeking help and support as soon as possible is crucial.
Losing a loved one is never easy and grief is far from a one size fits all response. It’s estimated that 7-percent of bereaved individuals might experience complicated grief; a type of grief that can last longer and be more intense than what some people might think is typical. But it’s important to remember, everyone experiences grief differently and that includes its duration and intensity.
Complicated grief can disrupt your daily life, cause you to withdraw socially, and can bring on a variety of strong emotions that are hard to deal with. This is why it’s important to get informed. If you or a loved one is dealing with grief, here’s how you can spot complicated grief. We’ll also uncover the common causes and treatment options available.
Complicated Grief vs. Normal Grief: What’s the Difference?
Normal grief and complicated grief can share the same signs and symptoms for the first few months after losing a loved one. However, symptoms of normal grief typically get better over time, those experiencing complicated grief may experience lingering or worsening symptoms, explains the Mayo Clinic.
While there is no set timeline for when normal grief becomes complicated grief, Medical News Today says complicated grief has a few distinctive features that can help you spot it when it develops. For example, complicated grief can be incredibly intense causing you to withdraw from daily activities. Complicated grief may also be diagnosed if symptoms don’t improve after 12-months or at least 6-months for teens and children.