Which type of grief is commonly referred to as "complicated grief"?

Complicated grief is most accurately described as chronic, unresolved grief. This type of grief extends beyond the typical mourning process, where the bereaved individual struggles to accept the loss and typically experiences intense sorrow and emotional pain for an extended period. Individuals facing complicated grief may find it difficult to move forward with their lives or to return to daily functioning, often feeling stuck in their grief. Signs of this can include persistent yearning or longing for the deceased, intense emotions, or even a feeling of numbness that does not seem to fade over time.

In contrast, the other types of grief mentioned, such as normal and transient grief, usually allow individuals to adapt and cope with their loss over time. Grief experienced during a natural disaster and grief felt in response to community loss may also involve significant emotional responses, but they generally do not encapsulate the ongoing, debilitating nature of complicated grief. Thus, the defining characteristic of complicated grief is its chronic and unresolved quality, making the identification of it as such crucial for those who may need additional support or intervention.