Savant Care

    Grief

    Support and strategies for coping with loss and bereavement.

    Dr. Bessy Martirosyan

    Written by

    Dr. Bessy Martirosyan

    Dr. Ellen Machikawa

    Reviewed by

    Dr. Ellen Machikawa

    Published: September 10, 2025
    Read Time: 6 min

    Table of Contents

    Understanding Grief

    Causes, types, coping strategies, and when to seek help

    Grief is a natural response to death or significant loss. It affects people emotionally, physically, and socially. The journey is individual — some find solace over months while others need longer, structured support.

    Causes of Grief

    Loss comes in many forms: death, illness, job loss, divorce, miscarriage, loss of a pet, and more. Even positive life changes can trigger grief.

    Miscarriage

    Severe or prolonged illness

    Death of a loved one or friend

    Loss of employment or financial stability

    Relationship breakdown or divorce

    Types of Grief

    Grief may appear as normal grief, complicated grief (prolonged), anticipatory grief, delayed grief, chronic, traumatic, disenfranchised, and others.

    Normal grief

    A natural adaptation after loss that gradually eases.

    Complicated grief

    Persistent and disabling grief that often benefits from therapy.

    Anticipatory grief

    Grieving before an expected loss, such as during terminal illness.

    Disenfranchised grief

    Grief that isn't socially recognized or supported.

    Stages of Grief

    1. Denial
    2. Anger
    3. Depression
    4. Bargaining
    5. Acceptance

    Diagnosis

    Prolonged Grief Disorder may be diagnosed when grief remains intense and disabling beyond expected cultural or social timelines. DSM-5 and ICD-11 include diagnostic criteria for prolonged grief.

    Treatment

    • CBT to reframe negative thoughts.Evidence-based
    • ACT to build acceptance and values-based action.Mindfulness
    • Complicated grief therapy and group or trauma-focused therapies as needed.Specialized

    Medication may be used when depression or anxiety co-occurs.

    Coping & Support

    Self-care

    Seek support from professionals, support groups, family, and friends. Practice self-care and avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol.

    Need help now?

    If grief is overwhelming, contact a mental health professional or call emergency services in crisis situations.

    Find a Provider

    Help Yourself & Others

    Allow feelings, listen without judgment, offer practical help, and encourage seeking professional support when needed.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Get expert answers to the most common questions about grief, coping strategies, and when to seek help.

    What is normal when grieving?

    Normal grief includes a range of emotions such as sadness, anger, guilt, relief, and numbness. It's common for these feelings to come and go and to vary in intensity over time.

    💬

    Emotional Range

    Everyone's experience is unique; there's no single 'right' way to grieve.

    When should I seek professional help?

    Consider professional support if grief is persistent and interferes with daily functioning, if you have thoughts of harming yourself, or if you can't perform basic tasks due to intense grief.

    📞

    Reach Out

    Contact a mental health professional or support group for tailored help.

    Are there ways to support someone grieving?

    Offer practical help, listen without judgment, avoid platitudes, and check in regularly. Encourage professional support when appropriate.

    🤝

    Practical Support

    Small acts of help can be deeply meaningful during bereavement.

    Will I ever feel like myself again?

    Many people do find a renewed sense of self over time. Healing is not linear, but with support and time, many people integrate the loss and find meaning again.

    🌱

    Recovery

    Growth and adaptation can occur at different paces; support helps.

    References

    [1] National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Grief and Bereavement.

    [2] American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., text rev.).

    [3] Hospice Foundation of America. (2021). Understanding Grief.

    [4] Mayo Clinic. (2023). Coping with grief and loss.

    [5] Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Bereavement and grief support.