Grief or bereavement or loss

Grief is the price we pay for love and attachment. Losing something precious brings at least temporary heartbreak and sometimes lasting depression. After experiencing the ultimate loss, the death of a loved one, we can experience severe and prolonged sadness, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating and fatigue.

Distinguishing between necessary and “normal” grief versus clinical depression or persistent complex bereavement is difficult. Thoughts of suicide, persistent feelings of worthlessness, being out of touch with reality or having a complete breakdown in functioning are definite red flags. There’s nothing absolute about 12 months (or 6 months for children) for duration of intense grief but it seems to be a reasonable guide.


Blog posts on this topic

Psychotherapy for Bereavement

Grief, bereavement, or loss is the price we pay for love and attachment.  Sadness or heartbreak is a natural response to losing someone or something precious.  When despair is intense, prolonged, unrelenting, and causes trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and … Continue reading →

When change hurts, take heart, help is available

“Getting old is not for sissies” said Mae West. To this I would add: neither is experiencing great loss nor dealing with major illness. Most of us need help adapting to major changes in our lives. We all need to process … Continue reading →