Grief & Loss: Treatment

National Institute of Mental Health

Family and friends can offer emotional support during the grieving process. Sometimes outside factors can affect the normal grieving process, and people might need help from:

  • Clergy
  • Mental health specialists
  • Social workers
  • Support groups

The acute phase of grief usually lasts up to 2 months. Milder symptoms may last for a year or longer. Psychological counseling may help a person who is unable to face the loss (absent grief reaction), or who has depression with grieving.

Support Groups

Joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems and help relieve the stress from grieving especially if you have lost a child or spouse.

Outlook (Prognosis)

It may take a year or longer to overcome strong feelings of grief and to accept the loss.

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