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

Grieving the loss of someone

Also called: Grief, bereavement, loss

Grieving the loss of someone is a natural response that can bring sadness, numbness, anger, guilt, and trouble sleeping. Grief comes in waves and changes over time. Support from others helps. If grief feels unbearable, call or text 988.

Common causesDeath of a loved one, other losses
Usually serious?Normal, but can be heavy
Get checked ifGrief affects daily life for a long time
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.Being hurt or threatened at home? National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.Help with alcohol or drug use: SAMHSA Helpline, 1-800-662-4357.

Overview

Grief affects the mind and body. It's different for everyone.

Prolonged grief disorder is when intense grief continues for a year or more and makes daily life very hard.

When to get medical care

Call 911Thoughts of harming yourself: call or text 988, or call 911 if you're in danger.
Get care todayNot able to care for yourself.
See a doctor soonGrief that doesn't ease over time. Using alcohol or drugs to cope.

Causes

Grief can follow death, divorce, job loss, or other losses.

OwieClear has pages on 2 conditions that can cause grieving the loss of someone. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

  • GriefOften treated at home

    Deep sadness, numbness, anger, guilt, trouble sleeping, or trouble eating after losing someone or something important.

Less likely causes

  • DepressionSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    A persistent low mood or loss of interest that lasts at least 2 weeks.

What you can do at home

  • Talk with people you trust.
  • Join a grief support group.
  • Take care of your body.
  • Be patient with yourself.

Medicines

Grief counseling helps. Depression may need treatment.

At the doctor

The provider will listen.

Questions you may be asked

  • Feelings
  • Sleep
  • Safety

The exam

A physical exam if needed.

Tests

  • Depression screening

Prevention

Support helps.

  • Stay connected
  • Seek help

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

Start the symptom checker

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.