Written by Glintcare Clinical Team
Our multidisciplinary clinical team develops and reviews educational mental health content to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with current clinical practice.
Most people find that grief becomes more manageable with time. The intense pain gradually softens, and they find ways to carry the loss while re-engaging with life. For approximately 10–15% of bereaved people, however, the grief remains intense and debilitating — this is called complicated grief or prolonged grief disorder.
What Is Complicated Grief?
Complicated grief is not simply longer-lasting grief. It is a distinct condition where the grieving process gets "stuck," preventing the natural integration of the loss. The person may feel as if the loss happened yesterday, even years later, and find it impossible to re-engage with life.
Signs of Complicated Grief
- Intense and persistent longing for the deceased - Preoccupation with thoughts or memories of the person - Difficulty accepting the loss - Bitterness or anger about the loss - Feeling that life has no meaning or purpose - Emotional numbness or detachment from others - Difficulty trusting others or forming new relationships - Avoiding reminders of the loss - Feeling part of you has died with the person
Risk Factors
- Sudden or traumatic death (accident, suicide, violence) - Death of a child or spouse - History of depression or anxiety - Insecure attachment style - Lack of social support - Multiple losses in a short period - Caregiver burnout before the death
Treatment for Complicated Grief
Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT): Specifically developed for this condition, CGT combines elements of CBT, interpersonal therapy, and attachment theory
Cognitive Restructuring: Addressing unhelpful beliefs that maintain the grief
Imaginal Revisiting: Gently confronting avoided memories of the death
Meaning-Making: Finding ways to integrate the loss into your life story
Gradual Re-engagement: Rebuilding connections with people and activities
Hope for Healing
Complicated grief is treatable. With appropriate therapy, most people experience significant improvement and find a way to carry their loss while rebuilding a meaningful life.
At Glintcare
Our grief therapists specialise in complicated grief treatment, providing the expert care needed when grief becomes stuck. Healing is possible — we can help you find the way forward.
