What term describes an excessive duration of grief that never seems to lead to healing?

Chronic grief refers to a prolonged and intense state of mourning that persists over an extended period without signs of healing or resolution. Unlike typical grief, which may gradually decrease in intensity over time, chronic grief can become a persistent and overwhelming experience. This type of grief often prevents individuals from resuming normal daily activities and can impact their physical and mental well-being. Those experiencing chronic grief may feel trapped in their sorrow, struggling to find a way to move forward.

In contrast, delayed grief occurs when emotional responses to a loss are postponed, often surfacing later due to various reasons such as social or emotional pressures. Exaggerated grief reaction describes an intense and excessive response to loss that may include strong emotional outbursts or difficulty functioning, but it does not necessarily imply a prolonged state. Masked grief refers to a situation where individuals do not recognize their own grief reactions and instead express their grief through other symptoms or behaviors.

Understanding chronic grief is crucial, as it indicates the need for potential intervention or support to help individuals cope with their losses in a healthier manner.