Prolonged grief
Prolonged grief is a condition in which a person feels great anxiety, loneliness, and intense longing after the death of a loved one. It is sometimes also called complicated grief. The symptoms last a long time and can take much of a person's focus and energy.
A person with prolonged grief feels anxiety related directly to the loss of a loved one. This condition differs from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition in which a person is anxious and fearful that traumatic events will occur again.
Prolonged grief can be treated by a doctor and a grief counselor.
How does prolonged grief affect people?
How people express prolonged grief varies. People may:
- Act as though nothing has changed. They may refuse to talk about the loss.
- Become preoccupied with the memory of the lost person. They may not be able to talk or think about anything else.
- Drink more alcohol or use more tobacco.
- Have trouble sleeping, or sleep a lot.
- Isolate themselves from other people.
Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
- Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
- Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.
Who is most affected by prolonged grief?
You may be at risk for prolonged grief if you:
- Had several major losses in a short period of time.
- Lost someone very important in your life.
- Experienced the unexpected or violent death of a loved one, such as the death of a child or a death caused by an accident, a homicide, or a suicide.
- Have a history of depression or anxiety.
What is prolonged grief?
With prolonged grief, you may have an intense feeling of longing for a person who has died. You may have trouble thinking about anything other than the person who died. These feelings may interfere with your ability to take care of your daily responsibilities. They last longer than is usual for others in your social circle or from your cultural background.
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