Key Takeaways
Prolonged grief disorder is a mental health condition where intense grief lasts more than 12 months and makes it hard to function in daily life.
Signs of prolonged grief disorder include feeling numb or disconnected, avoiding reminders of loss, struggling to accept the death, and questioning the meaning of life.
With the right support, like therapy or grief support groups, most people with prolonged grief disorder can start to feel better over time.
Grief is a natural human response to loss. It doesn’t follow a linear pattern or a predictable schedule. We all grieve in our own time and in our own ways. Also referred to as bereavement, the grieving process can be affected by all sorts of factors. For example, a person’s culture, geographical location, and religion can all influence the grieving process.
Generally speaking, while grief can be painful and disruptive, it usually resolves in time. This doesn’t mean that we stop missing the person we’ve lost. In some ways, we may never stop grieving. We just find ways to manage those difficult feelings so we can resume activities.
But sometimes, grief can persist beyond what’s considered typical in a person’s culture. When this happens, a person may be diagnosed with something called prolonged grief disorder. Before it was recognized as a unique condition, some experts called this experience complicated grief or bereavement-related depression.
Today, we understand prolonged grief disorder as an experience of intense grief that lasts beyond 12 months following a significant loss. It’s believed to affect up to 10% of bereaved adults.
Signs and symptoms of prolonged grief disorder
Prolonged grief disorder causes deep, ongoing longing for the person who died. These feelings are so intense that they interrupt a person’s ability to function in daily life.
Adults with prolonged grief disorder may be preoccupied with thoughts of the person they lost. However, grief may present differently in young people. Youth with prolonged grief disorder may focus on thoughts surrounding the circumstances of the loss.
Mental health professionals diagnose prolonged grief disorder on a case-by-case basis. Some of the signs and symptoms they look for include:
You feel like you lost a part of yourself when the person died.
You’re having a hard time believing the person is really gone.
You actively avoid anything that reminds you of your loss.
You experience intense negative emotions about the death (i.e. anger, sadness, bitterness).
You’re having trouble doing typical activities like planning for the future, spending time with friends, doing hobbies, or going to work.
You feel emotionally numb, like you can’t feel anything at all.
You feel isolated and detached from others.
You’re questioning the meaning of life.
You might notice that many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of depression. But it’s important to keep in mind that a person can have major depressive disorder (MDD) without experiencing a loss. It’s also possible that someone can have prolonged grief disorder and MDD at the same time. This is referred to as a co-occurring condition, and it typically requires professional help.
What it’s like to live with prolonged grief disorder
Like other mental health concerns, prolonged grief disorder can ebb and flow. There may be certain times of year (like the holidays) that are more challenging than others. Or you may encounter a memory or reminder that can trigger your grief. The good news is that prolonged grief isn’t a permanent state. About 70% of people with prolonged grief find relief from treatment.
We don’t know why some people experience prolonged grief disorder. People facing the loss of the same person can respond in different ways. But researchers have identified a few factors that may increase your risk of prolonged grief disorder, including:
Finding healing from prolonged grief disorder
Grieving the loss of someone you love isn’t the same as having a mental health condition. But if your grief has lasted more than a year and is significantly impacting your life, the following supports can help you heal.
Clinician's take
If you're unsure about therapy, I often ask: Is your grief keeping you from living the life you want? You don’t have to move on — you just don’t have to carry it alone.
Find care with Rula
If your grief has lasted more than a year and impacts your daily functioning, it could be a sign of prolonged grief disorder. Fortunately, hope and healing are possible with the right support. If you’re experiencing prolonged grief, therapy, support groups, and self-care can help you accept your loss and regain hope for the future.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we're here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
