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Compounded grief can be described as a series of losses that occur over a relatively brief period of time.

A 2022 study notes that though the losses may have different causes, affect different areas of your life, and vary in their levels of intensity, they can be harder to cope with than individual losses because of the compounding effect.

Meghan Marcum, PsyDCompounded grief is difficult because before the person has an opportunity to find healing, another—oftentimes unexpected—loss arises that makes it increasingly difficult to cope.

Meghan Marcum, PsyD

Compounded grief is difficult because before the person has an opportunity to find healing, another—oftentimes unexpected—loss arises that makes it increasingly difficult to cope.

This article explores the symptoms, potential causes, and diagnosis of compounded grief, as well as some coping strategies that may be helpful.

Symptoms of Compounded Grief

According to Dr. Marcum, these are some of the symptoms you may experience if you’re struggling with compounded grief:

It may take several weeks or months for someone dealing with compounded grief to return to their baseline level of functioning, says Dr. Marcum.

Causes of Compounded Grief

These are some examples of losses that may occur and contribute to compounded grief:

These are some groups of people that may be at greater risk of experiencing compounded grief than others, according to Dr. Marcum:

9 Types of Grief People May Experience, According to Experts

Diagnosing Compounded Grief

If you or a loved one are struggling to cope with compounded grief, it can be helpful to see a mental healthcare provider for support. Your primary care doctor can refer you to an expert or you can ask loved ones for a referral.

It’s important to note that compounded grief is not an official diagnosis; however, it is similar tocomplicated grief, says Dr. Marcum. “Oftentimes, it may not require an official diagnosis since grief is a common experience that most of us face at some point in life.”

If your grief requires treatment, then depending on your symptoms, Dr. Marcum says you may be diagnosed with:

What Is Grief Counseling?

Coping With Compounded Grief

If you or someone you love are experiencing compounded grief, Dr. Marcum shares some strategies that can help:

Best Online Grief Support Groups

A Word From Verywell

If you’ve suffered multiple losses and are experiencing compounded grief, you may feel angry, sad, scared, anxious, or numb. You may struggle to function and have difficulty eating and sleeping.

Try to focus on one day at a time and one loss at a time. Work through your emotions around each one and seek support from loved ones or professionals if you need it. Eventually, you will be able toaccept your losses, regain your equilibrium, and move forward with renewed meaning and purpose.

3 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Scheinfeld E, Gangi K, Nelson EC, Sinardi CC.Compounded loss and coping during the COVID-19 pandemic.Health Commun. 2022;37(10):1316-1328. doi:10.1080/10410236.2021.1886413Pop-Jordanova N.Grief: Aetiology, symptoms and management.Pril (Makedon Akad Nauk Umet Odd Med Nauki). 2021;42(2):9-18. doi:10.2478/prilozi-2021-0014Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Grief and loss.

3 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Scheinfeld E, Gangi K, Nelson EC, Sinardi CC.Compounded loss and coping during the COVID-19 pandemic.Health Commun. 2022;37(10):1316-1328. doi:10.1080/10410236.2021.1886413Pop-Jordanova N.Grief: Aetiology, symptoms and management.Pril (Makedon Akad Nauk Umet Odd Med Nauki). 2021;42(2):9-18. doi:10.2478/prilozi-2021-0014Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Grief and loss.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Scheinfeld E, Gangi K, Nelson EC, Sinardi CC.Compounded loss and coping during the COVID-19 pandemic.Health Commun. 2022;37(10):1316-1328. doi:10.1080/10410236.2021.1886413Pop-Jordanova N.Grief: Aetiology, symptoms and management.Pril (Makedon Akad Nauk Umet Odd Med Nauki). 2021;42(2):9-18. doi:10.2478/prilozi-2021-0014Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Grief and loss.

Scheinfeld E, Gangi K, Nelson EC, Sinardi CC.Compounded loss and coping during the COVID-19 pandemic.Health Commun. 2022;37(10):1316-1328. doi:10.1080/10410236.2021.1886413

Pop-Jordanova N.Grief: Aetiology, symptoms and management.Pril (Makedon Akad Nauk Umet Odd Med Nauki). 2021;42(2):9-18. doi:10.2478/prilozi-2021-0014

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Grief and loss.

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