Grief

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Mourning; Grieving; Bereavement

Emotional support for the grieving process is usually provided by family and friends. Sometimes outside factors can influence the normal grieving process, and outside help from clergy, social workers, mental health specialists, or self-help groups may be indicated.

The acute phase of grief can usually last up to 2 months, but some residual milder symptoms may extend a year or longer. Psychological counseling may benefit a person suffering from absent grief reaction, or from depression associated with grieving.

The stress of grieving can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See loss of a child - support group or loss of a spouse - support group.

It may take a year or longer to overcome strong feelings associated with loss, and to reach acceptance.

Grief and loss can have an adverse effect on overall health. It can contribute to depression or excessive use of alcohol or drugs. Major depression is also a complication. Debilitating grief that interferes with daily life lasting for more than two months may be indicative of more severe illness.

Call your health care provider if you are unable to deal with grief, are using excessive amounts of drugs or alcohol, become severely depressed, or have prolonged depression that interferes with your daily functioning.

Review Date: 10/17/2005
Reviewed By: Christos Ballas, M.D., Attending Psychiatrist, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.