What is grief and grieving?
Grief is a natural response to the loss of someone or something very important to you. The loss may cause sadness and may cause you to think of very little else besides the loss. The words sorrow and heartache are often used to describe feelings of grief.
Grieving is the process of emotional and life adjustment you go through after a loss. Grieving after a loved one's death is also known as bereavement.
Grieving is a personal experience. Depending on who you are and the nature of your loss, your process of grieving will be different from another person's experience. There is no "normal and expected" period of time for grieving.
What are common symptoms of grief?
You may experience physical, emotional, social, or spiritual expressions of grief. While you are feeling shock, numbness, sadness, anger, guilt, anxiety, or fear, you may also find moments of relief, peace, or happiness.
Grieving can cause problems such as headaches, loss of appetite, or trouble with thinking or sleeping. You may withdraw from friends and family or behave in ways that are unusual for you. Grief may cause you to question your beliefs or views about life.
How is grief treated?
Grief itself is a natural response that doesn't require medical treatment. Social support and good self-care may help. But if you find that your grief is making it difficult to function, contact a grief counselor, bereavement support group, or your doctor.
If you have symptoms of depression, prolonged anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), call your doctor.
Getting help for suicidal thoughts
Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
- Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
- Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.
Grief (actual/anticipated): How can you care for yourself?
- Get enough sleep. Missing sleep may make it harder for you to cope with your grief.
- Eat healthy foods. Ask someone to join you for a meal if you don't like eating alone.
- Get some exercise every day. Even a walk can help you deal with your grief. Other exercises, such as yoga, may also help you manage stress.
- Stay involved in your life. Don't withdraw from the activities you enjoy. People you know at work, church, clubs, or other groups can help you.
- Comfort yourself. Familiar surroundings and special items, such as photos or a loved one's favorite shirt, may give you comfort.
- Think about joining a support group.
Grief (actual/anticipated): When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You feel you cannot stop from hurting yourself or someone else.
Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
- Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
- Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You think you may be depressed.
- You do not get better as expected.
©2011-2025 Healthwise, Incorporated