Grief is a natural response to losing someone or something important. Bereavement refers specifically to the period after a death, but grief can also follow the end of a relationship, pregnancy loss, serious illness, loss of health, work, home or another major life change. There is no single correct way or timetable for grieving.
Common experiences
- Shock, numbness or disbelief
- Sadness, crying or a sense of emptiness
- Anger, guilt, regret or relief
- Longing and frequent thoughts about what was lost
- Fatigue, poor concentration or forgetfulness
- Changes in sleep, appetite or physical comfort
- Feeling disconnected from other people
Feelings may come in waves and can be triggered unexpectedly by dates, places, music or routines. Grief does not always move through fixed stages or follow a predictable order.
Grief and depression
Grief and depression can overlap, but they are not identical. Grief often fluctuates and may include moments of connection or comfort. Depression more often involves persistent low mood or loss of interest across most areas of life, hopelessness, harsh self criticism and impaired functioning. A person can experience both and should seek assessment when symptoms are severe or persistent.
Prolonged grief disorder
For most people, grief gradually becomes less intense and more integrated into life. Prolonged grief disorder may be considered when intense yearning, preoccupation with the person who died, difficulty accepting the death and major impairment continue for many months beyond expected cultural and personal patterns. Diagnosis requires a professional assessment and should not be based on a deadline alone.
Ways to cope
- Accept practical help and contact from trusted people.
- Talk about the loss when you want to, without pressure to explain every feeling.
- Keep basic routines for meals, sleep, medication and movement.
- Break necessary tasks into small steps.
- Mark memories or important dates in a personally meaningful way.
- Avoid relying on alcohol, drugs, gambling or risky behaviour to numb distress.
Bereavement counselling, psychological therapy, peer support or culturally appropriate spiritual support may help. Children need honest, age appropriate explanations, reassurance and opportunities to remember the person who died.
When to seek professional help
Arrange support if grief is becoming harder rather than gradually more manageable, daily functioning remains severely limited, you are unable to care for basic needs, or anxiety, depression, traumatic memories or substance use are increasing. Seek help if guilt feels unbearable or you believe you do not deserve to live.
Call local emergency services immediately for suicidal intent, a plan to self harm, immediate danger, severe confusion or inability to remain safe. Stay with the person when it is safe and seek urgent professional support.
Related information
Read about depression, post traumatic stress disorder and other topics in our Mental Health section.
Sources
- NHS: Grief after bereavement or loss
- NHS: Children and bereavement
- NHS Scotland: Bereavement and grief self help guide
Using this information
This information supports general understanding and preparation for a conversation with a qualified healthcare professional. It does not replace an individual mental health assessment, diagnosis or treatment.
Reviewed: 28 August 2026