What type of grief involves emotional responses that are put off or pushed down?

The type of grief that involves emotional responses that are put off or pushed down is known as delayed grief. This concept refers to the phenomenon where individuals do not exhibit their grief immediately following a loss; instead, they may suppress or avoid expressing their feelings at that moment. Over time, this delayed expression can emerge as the individual confronts their feelings more deeply, often triggered by reminders of the loss or a significant event that reignites their emotions.

This understanding is vital because it highlights how grief can manifest in various timelines and forms. Recognizing delayed grief can be crucial for those supporting individuals experiencing loss, as it allows for an understanding that grief is not linear and may resurface later, sometimes with intensity.

In contrast, chronic grief involves ongoing and persistent sorrow without resolution, exaggerated grief reaction refers to an overwhelming emotional response that is disproportionate to the situation, and masked grief occurs when the person is unaware of the grief they are experiencing, often displaying symptoms such as anxiety or behavioral changes instead.