Grief

Alternative names:

bereavement; grieving; mourning

Treatment:

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. Grief may extend a year or longer. Psychological counseling may benefit a person suffering from absent grief reaction, or from depression associated with grieving.

Support groups:

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.

Expectations (prognosis):

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

Complications:

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

Calling your health care provider:

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 prolong depression that interferes with your daily functioning.