Complicated Grief: Is There A Timeline For How Long It Lasts?

Let's face it: No one likes change. It could be something as simple as changing your dinner plans due to something being out of stock. Or the change could be a little more difficult to process, like losing a loved one.

You may already know what grief is. Life happens, and so does death. It's part of the natural life cycle of being a human being. Grief is the process that individuals take when experiencing loss. If you were to describe grief, one of the words you may use would be complicated. What does that make complicated grief, then? Let's learn more about complicated grief and if there is a timeline for how it lasts.

What is Complicated Grief?

Complicated grief, also known as persistent complex bereavement disorder, can happen when a person experiences the loss of a loved one or maybe grieving for another type of loss. When it comes to normal grief, the feelings of grief usually start to fade over time. That isn't as easy for someone that is going through complicated grief. The signs and symptoms of complicated grief can actually get worse over time, so much so that it can negatively impact someone's daily life and routine.

The Signs and Symptoms

Complicated grief actually shares a lot of the same signs and symptoms as normal grief. The main difference is that the signs and symptoms of normal grief tend to fade over time, while the signs and symptoms of complicated grief can worsen.

These are some of the most common signs and symptoms of complicated grief:

• Detachment

• Difficulty focusing on things other than the loss that occurred

• Feeling numb

• Intense pain

• Lack of trust in others

• Longing for the lost loved one

• Pain

• Ruminating

• Unable to enjoy life, even activities that were enjoyed prior to the loss

• Unwilling to accept the loss that occurred

The Cause

There isn't a known cause for what exactly causes complicated grief. That being said, there are several factors that are believed to influence it. Complicated grief usually affects more females rather than males. It's also seen with older age groups rather than younger ones.

These are some of the most common believed factors that are believed to increase the risk of developing complicated grief:

• Abuse

• Death of a child

• Financial troubles

• History of depression

• History of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Neglect

• Social isolation

• The unexpected death of a loved one

• The violent death of a loved one

The Timeline

When it comes to any type of grief, complicated or not, there isn't a right or wrong way to do it. You can't flip through the pages of your planner and mark off a day that is weeks, months, or even a year from now in hopes that you'll feel back to normal by then. The truth is that grief takes time. Each person's grieving process is unique to them. There isn't a set timeline when it comes to grief.

Next Steps

The grieving process can be difficult to manage, especially on your own. When you're dealing with complicated grief, it can seem even more troubling. Asking for help is completely okay and even encouraged, whether you're dealing with normal or complicated grief. You're not expected to navigate through all of life's challenges all on your own. You shouldn't expect that out of yourself, either.

Working with a therapist may be exactly what you need to help you better manage the signs and symptoms of grief that you're experiencing. They'll also be able to recommend positive coping mechanisms that can help you in the process of being able to move forward. Reach out to set up a consultation for depression treatment or grief counseling.