Complicated grief occurs when grief worsens over time and you feel unable to move forward or to resume your daily life and activities. Affecting around 10-15 per cent of people, complicated grief can include things like:
- Painful, hard-to-control emotions such as guilt, anger or bitterness
- Being preoccupied with memories, thoughts or pictures of the deceased person that might interfere with joining in on activities, or other relationships
- An extreme longing for the person, and not accepting they have died
- Avoiding situations or people that might trigger any memories
- Having a hard time getting back to a sense of purpose, or joy in life
It is important to talk to a mental health professional if you experience any signs of major depression or complicated grief.
