Grief is a natural and deeply human response to loss—something we all face at some point in life. But while grief is universal, many of us aren’t taught how to cope with it in healthy ways. Most people are familiar with “normal” grief, where sadness and emotional pain gradually ease over time. But in some cases, grief becomes overwhelming and long-lasting. This is known as complicated grief.

In this post, we’ll explore what complicated grief is, what causes it, the warning signs to look out for, and when it might be time to seek professional support.

What Is Complicated Grief?

Complicated grief—sometimes called prolonged grief disorder, complicated grief disorder, or persistent complex bereavement disorder—is a condition where the grieving process becomes stuck. It can prevent you from moving forward and seriously affect your emotional and mental health.

People with complicated grief experience an intense and prolonged mourning period that disrupts daily life. While grief is different for everyone, complicated grief goes beyond the typical emotions of sadness, longing, and heartache.

What Can Cause Complicated Grief?

Several factors can contribute to complicated grief, including:

The Nature of the Loss

The relationship you had with the person or thing you've lost plays a huge role. When a family member dies, everyone grieves differently. In my own family, some found comfort through therapy, others managed in their own way—and sadly, one of my sisters, who needed more support than any of us realised, died by suicide. We later understood she had been experiencing complicated grief.

The Circumstances of the Loss

When a loss feels preventable or traumatic—such as a sudden death, accident, or medical error—it can trigger guilt, regret, and anger. These emotions, if unprocessed, can turn into complicated grief.

Your Emotional Resilience

If you’ve been through previous losses or carry unresolved grief, your emotional load may already be heavy. Grief is cumulative—it builds over time. Without the right tools or support, a new loss can feel unbearable and leave you stuck in complicated grief.

Signs and Symptoms of Complicated Grief

So how do you know if your grief has become complicated? Here are some common signs:

• Intense Longing: A persistent yearning for the person or situation you've lost, making it hard to move on.

• Persistent Sadness: The emotional pain doesn't ease with time and may even worsen.

• Constant Preoccupation: You find yourself stuck in memories or regrets, unable to focus on the present.

• Avoiding Emotions: You avoid anything that reminds you of the loss—people, places, or conversations—which can lead to isolation and emotional numbness.

• Struggling with Daily Life: You may find it hard to carry out everyday tasks, go to work, care for your family, or make decisions.

• Overwhelming Guilt or Regret: You may be consumed by “what if” thoughts or blame yourself for what happened.

• Substance Use or Addictive Behaviour: Using food, alcohol, drugs, excessive exercise, or binge-watching TV to numb the pain.

• Thoughts of Self-Harm or Suicide: If your grief leads to thoughts of ending your life or harming yourself, it's essential to seek immediate help.

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

Grief, in its usual form, tends to soften with time. You start to accept the loss, reconnect with life, and find meaning again. But if you feel stuck, exhausted, or emotionally paralysed, it's time to seek support.

Here are key signs that professional help may be needed:

• You’ve been grieving for over six months with no improvement

• You struggle to get out of bed, go to work, or keep up with daily life

• You’ve withdrawn from friends, family, or things you once enjoyed

• You experience severe emotional distress, panic attacks, or depression

• You rely on unhealthy coping mechanisms to get through each day

• You feel life is meaningless or hopeless

How I Can Help You as a Grief Specialist

Having lived through multiple losses myself—including the tragic loss of a sibling—I understand how consuming and confusing grief can be. I also know what it’s like to feel stuck and unsure how to move forward.

As a certified Grief Specialist, I offer something different to traditional therapy or grief counselling. I provide a practical, educational programme that helps you take clear steps toward healing.

Here's what I offer:

• A Proven Programme: I teach you tools, knowledge, and step-by-step methods to help you deal with unresolved grief.

• Emotional Safety: I create a space where you can be honest about your emotions, without fear or judgement.

• Healthy Coping Skills: Learn strategies to manage emotional overwhelm without turning to unhealthy habits.

• Validation and Clarity: I help you understand your grief is not only valid but also manageable.

• Support Through Healing: I walk with you through the journey—from loss and pain to peace, gratitude, and renewal.

• A Return to Functioning: With support, many of my clients begin to feel like themselves again—able to work, care for their families, and enjoy life.

Real Help, Real Results

One client recently came to me after being diagnosed with prolonged grief disorder. Despite attending therapy and taking medication, she still felt stuck. Through my programme, she began to experience emotional relief and clarity. She hasn’t even finished the full course yet, but her psychiatrist has already started reducing her medication.

Healing is possible—with the right support.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is complicated grief, I invite you to take one small step today.

✨ Download my free guide: 5 Key Steps to Handling Grief – a gentle, practical resource to help you get started.

✨ Not sure if you need help? Read my article and take my free self-assessment quiz to see how well you're coping with your grief.

✨ Want to talk? Book a free, no-obligation discovery call with me. We’ll explore what’s going on and whether support might help. Schedule a call here.

You don’t have to stay stuck in grief. Help is available, and healing is possible—one step at a time.