What type of grief is characterized by an ongoing struggle and significant distress?

Complicated grief is characterized by an ongoing struggle and significant distress following a loss. This type of grief goes beyond the typical grieving process and can manifest in prolonged systems of mourning that interfere with an individual's ability to engage in daily life. Individuals experiencing complicated grief may find it difficult to accept the death, feel pent-up emotions such as anger or guilt, or continuously focus on the loss, impacting their overall mental health and well-being.

This ongoing struggle often requires more intensive support or counseling to help the individual process their feelings and begin to heal, distinguishing it from more typical grieving experiences. The complexity of emotions and the inability to move forward are what set complicated grief apart from other types of grief responses.