White bubble background
Understanding Grief

Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD): Why You Might Still Feel Stuck in Loss

Understanding when grief becomes overwhelming—and how gentle daily support can help you move forward

By Dr. Sarah Langford6 min read
Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD): Why You Might Still Feel Stuck in Loss

“Grief is love that has nowhere to go. But when grief doesn't soften with time, it can leave people feeling stuck, isolated, and unable to find their way forward,” explains Dr. Sarah Langford, a clinical psychologist who has worked with grieving individuals for over 15 years.

While most people experience a gradual easing of pain after loss, some continue to struggle for months or years. When grief remains intense and disruptive, professionals call it Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD).

Portrait of clinical psychologist speaking about grief
“You’re not grieving wrong—your grief needs the right kind of support.”

Is My Grief Normal?

Take our gentle 2-minute self-check to understand your grief and receive supportive next steps.

Why Common Advice Doesn't Work

Many grieving individuals are told things like:

  • “Time heals all wounds.”
  • “Stay busy and move on.”
  • “It's been long enough—you should feel better by now.”
“These messages don't help. They often deepen feelings of guilt and shame, leaving people to believe there's something wrong with them for still hurting. That's not true—grief doesn't follow a timeline.”

The Hidden Science of Stuck Grief

Over the past decade, researchers have found that PGD affects the brain's ability to adapt after loss. The brain's attachment system can stay highly active—almost as if the person you love is still just out of reach.

  • Memories feel as sharp as the day of loss
  • Daily routines feel impossible to manage
  • Joy feels distant, even when life looks “normal”
  • Grief resurfaces in waves that don’t ease over time
Empty chair symbolizing the absence of a loved one
When grief is prolonged, the bond still calls out—sharp, persistent, and deeply human.

PGD vs. Normal Grief vs. Depression

  • Normal grief: painful but gradually softens; moments of joy return.
  • PGD: intense longing continues 12+ months; feels stuck in loops.
  • Depression: sadness spreads broadly; not always tied to a loss.

Common Experiences of Stuck Grief

  • “I thought I was broken for still crying every day after a year. Learning about PGD made me realize my grief is normal.”
  • “The reflections helped me process emotions I had buried for years. I finally felt less alone.”
  • “It gave me permission to honor my loved one without the pressure to ‘move on.’”

👉 These voices remind you: you are not alone, and your grief has a path forward.

Find Your Own Path Through Grief

Answer a few gentle questions to receive personalized reflections and support tailored to your journey.

A calm shoreline—grief comes in waves and eases with support
Grief often comes in waves—some gentle, some strong. Support helps you ride them with more ease.

If today feels heavy, that doesn’t mean you’re going backward. Most people feel better when support matches what they’re feeling right now.

Why Traditional Coping Strategies Often Fail

Common strategies like distraction, overworking, or forced positivity rarely bring lasting relief:

❌ Keeping endlessly busy only postpones the pain.
❌ Avoiding reminders reinforces fear instead of healing.
❌ Relying on willpower creates pressure but no emotional release.

“Grief isn't a problem to be solved—it's an experience to be supported. Without the right tools, people often remain stuck.”

A New Kind of Grief Support

In recent years, new digital approaches have started to reshape grief care. One such tool is Calmio—an AI-guided grief companion designed to provide daily comfort and reflection.

Unlike generic advice, Calmio creates personalized reflections, helps you honor memories, and gently encourages small steps forward—at your pace.

Gentle, guided daily grief support in a safe space
Gentle prompts and reflections can make the weight of grief easier to carry.

When to Seek Extra Support

  • Grief keeps disrupting sleep, work, or relationships
  • You feel stuck in guilt or longing for over a year
  • You wonder if life will ever feel meaningful again

You don’t have to wait for it to get worse. Gentle, steady support can help you feel less alone and more grounded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions from our readers

Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) is when intense grief persists for months or years after a loss, significantly impacting daily life and preventing natural healing processes.

While normal grief gradually softens, PGD remains intense and disruptive. The brain continues sending strong attachment signals, keeping the person caught in cycles of longing and pain.

Usually after 12 months (6 months in some guidelines), if grief remains disabling and life feels stuck.

Yes, PGD is the updated clinical term that replaces what was once called complicated grief.

Yes. PGD can be treated with specialized grief therapy and supportive tools. Unlike general mental health approaches, PGD support focuses on processing the unresolved bond with the loved one.

Discover your grieving type

Start by selecting your gender

Takes 60 - 180 seconds
Trustpilot 5 starsRated 4.9/5 by users

Comments (3)

Rachel W.

Jun 9, 2025, 11:25 AM

Reading this made me cry. I have been stuck for years and always thought I was broken for not moving on. Knowing about PGD finally puts words to what I have been feeling.

Daniel P.

Jun 10, 2025, 8:40 AM

The part about the brain's attachment signals really hit me. It explains why I still feel like my wife is just out of reach, even after two years. Thank you for shedding light on this.

Dr. Helen C.

Jun 8, 2025, 3:05 PM

Such an important article. PGD is rarely talked about, and many clients come to me thinking they are grieving wrong. This resource explains the reality with compassion and clarity.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Articles