When grief needs more help

Grief has no timetable, and for most people it slowly softens. For some, it stays so intense that daily life stalls. Tick the signs that fit you. The list is drawn from the American Psychiatric Association, Mayo Clinic and the NHS.

Just for reflection and learning — not a test or a diagnosis.

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Common questions

How long is grief supposed to last?

There is no set timeline. Most people find grief eases slowly. The American Psychiatric Association describes prolonged grief disorder in adults only when intense grief still disrupts life at least a year after the loss.

What is prolonged grief disorder?

It is grief that stays intense and gets in the way of daily life for a long time. Signs include feeling part of yourself died, disbelief, intense emotional pain, numbness, loneliness, and feeling life has no meaning without the person.

When should I get help for grief?

The NHS suggests seeing a doctor if you are struggling to cope, have had low mood for more than two weeks, or the things you are trying are not helping. Mayo Clinic advises help if intense grief and problems functioning have not improved a year after the loss.