Grief
Grief is natural. When it becomes prolonged or significantly impairs daily life, professional support can help.
Symptoms
Deep sadness, yearning, difficulty accepting loss, anger, guilt, sleep and appetite changes, and trouble engaging in activities.
Causes and risk
Death of a loved one, relationship or job loss, or loss of health. Sudden or traumatic loss raises risk of complications.
How it is evaluated
Discussion of the loss, symptom timeline, functioning, and differentiation from prolonged grief disorder or depression.
Treatment
Supportive therapy, grief-focused therapy, peer support, and medication if depression or insomnia becomes prominent.