Health information to help you understand symptoms. It isn't a diagnosis.About OwieClear
Check symptoms

Grief

Also called: Grief, bereavement, mourning, loss of a loved one

The deep sadness and other feelings after losing someone or something important. Grief is normal and comes in waves. Support helps, and help is there if it becomes too heavy.

TypeNormal reaction to loss
Comes inWaves
Help988 call or text for crisis support

Overview

Grief can bring sadness, numbness, anger, guilt, trouble sleeping, and physical aches.

It often eases over months, but anniversaries can bring it back. Sometimes grief stays intense and gets in the way of life for a long time (prolonged grief).

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Grieving the loss of someone
  • Sadness and crying

Less common

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Numbness
  • Anger or guilt

When to get medical care

Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself: call or text 988, or call 911.
Get care todayYou can't take care of yourself or your family.
See a doctor soonGrief that stays intense for many months or stops daily life.

Causes

Loss of a loved one, a pet, a relationship, health, or a job.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Sudden or traumatic loss
  • Little support

Possible complications

Diagnosis

No tests are needed.

Questions you may be asked

  • How you're sleeping, eating, and coping
  • Thoughts of not wanting to live

Treatment

Be gentle with yourself.

Self-care

  • Talk with people you trust
  • Keep routines: meals, sleep, short walks
  • Join a grief support group
  • Let feelings come; there's no right way to grieve

Grief counseling helps many people.

Prevention

You can't prevent grief, but:

  • Stay connected to others

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a psychiatrist (for medicine) and a psychologist or licensed therapist (for talk therapy).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people can keep working or going to school.
  • Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.
  • The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may let you take unpaid time off for treatment without losing your job.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Many mental health medicines are used safely in pregnancy. Stopping suddenly can cause a relapse.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Mood problems can start during or after pregnancy. Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

  • Listen without judging, and let them know you care.
  • Encourage treatment, but don't force it unless they're in danger.
  • If they talk about suicide, call or text 988 with them.
  • Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Grief usually softens with time and support.

Myths and facts

Myth: Grief should be over in a year.

Fact: Grief has no deadline. It often changes over time instead of ending.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • Would counseling help?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Grief

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.