Defining Complicated Grief and How to Cope with It
Posted by: Erin Ward in Grief Articles | July 6, 2021
Grieving the loss of a loved one comes in many different forms, as there are many different types of grief. One type of grief that’s often forgotten about is complicated grief.
Keep reading to learn more about this grief type, how to find healthy ways to cope with it, and how to show your support.
Defining Complicated Grief
Grief isn’t something that completely goes away. However, when dealt with in a healthy way, you can learn how to cope with grief and move forward while keeping your loved one’s memory close.
Complicated grief is the opposite of this. Instead of becoming less intense, the grief symptoms are overwhelming enough that the griever can’t finish daily tasks. Instead of trying to understand their feelings and process their loss, they push their feelings deep inside and try to ignore them.
Oftentimes, this happens when someone isn’t allowing themselves the time that they need to process their loss and navigate their new normal. This also is more likely to happen in cases of sudden deaths or the death a close loved one. Or it may happen if they don’t have people who they trust to support them.
Coping with Complicated Grief
The first step is recognizing that your grieving habits aren’t healthy. Depending on how far your grief symptoms have escalated, you may be able to change course before it turns into complicated grief. Even if it has turned into it, it’s never too late to open yourself up to processing your loss.
One way to open up is to talk to a trusted family member or friend. If you’re not comfortable talking to anyone in your life, you can seek the help of a professional grief counselor. Even if you do talk to a loved one, it still may be a good idea to seek professional guidance. They’re trained to help you cope with grief and find the best grieving options for you.
How to Support Someone Coping with Complicated Grief
If your loved one is coping with complicated grief, let them know that you want to be their support system. Offer to non-judgmentally listen to them talk about their grief experience. If they want your advice, you can help them find ways to grieve and honor their loved one, such as through a personal tradition or memorial craft. The key is to find ways to support them without being too intrusive.
What other ways can you cope with complicated grief? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
68 Comments
frankylarr
March 9
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February 24
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February 22
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February 16
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January 28
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October 21, 2025
I’m grateful for this resource. It’s sometimes hard to put into words what long-term grief feels like, but this article did it perfectly. learn more about Reanimal
Feeding a Black Hole
October 21, 2025
This was very well-written and sensitive. Grief can be so different for everyone, and the way you explained complicated grief made a lot of sense. I especially appreciated the coping tips (like seeking support groups and professional help). It’s a reassuring read for tough times.Play Feeding a Black Hole online
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October 19, 2025
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chenchen
October 17, 2025
Thank you for this compassionate article. It really helped me understand what complicated grief is. I lost someone a while ago and have been feeling “stuck” in my grief – reading about the symptoms and coping strategies made me feel less alone and more hopeful.absolum build
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October 9, 2025
This Tribute Archive resource likely defines complicated grief and offers coping tips—helpful for those seeking guidance on navigating such emotions.sora2
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September 28, 2025
human expenditure programThis post on complicated grief is a lifeline: it defines the often-misunderstood feeling and shares gentle coping strategies, making a lonely struggle feel a little more manageable.
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September 28, 2025
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September 28, 2025
Love how this resource breaks down complicated grief simply, then offers actionable ways to cope. It feels empathetic, not overwhelming—such a valuable read for those struggling.Mirage2
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August 31, 2025
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August 31, 2025
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