Grief is one of the most universal human experiences — and one of the least understood. We are often told that grief follows a predictable path: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance. But grief does not follow a schedule. It does not move in a straight line. And for some people, it does not move at all.
According to the Mayo Clinic, most people who experience loss eventually adapt and find a way to move forward. But for some, the painful emotions of loss do not improve with time — they become so severe that the person has trouble recovering and resuming their own life. This is called complicated grief, also known as Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), and it is now recognized as a diagnosable and treatable condition.
Normal Grief vs. Complicated Grief
Normal grief is painful, but it gradually softens over time. Complicated grief is different. According to Mayo Clinic, symptoms include intense, persistent longing for the person who died, difficulty accepting the death, bitterness or anger about the loss, inability to trust others since the loss, feeling that life is meaningless without the deceased, and inability to engage in normal activities or relationships.
When Grief Becomes a Mental Health Crisis
If grief is accompanied by persistent hopelessness, inability to function, or thoughts of self-harm, it is essential to seek professional help immediately. These are signs that grief has crossed into a mental health crisis that requires more than time and community support.
Resources for grief support include GriefShare (griefshare.org), the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357), and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988). You do not have to grieve alone. The mat — and our community — is here for you.