grief

Grief is the multifaceted emotional response to loss, most commonly the death of a loved one, but it can follow other significant losses such as the end of a relationship, a serious illness, or a major life change. It involves emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioral components and varies across cultures and individuals. Common experiences include intense sadness, longing, guilt or anger, disbelief, and caretaking or preoccupation with the deceased. Physically, people may have sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, fatigue, or somatic symptoms. Grief is not a linear process; many people experience fluctuating intensities and may move back and forth between sorrow and relief, memories, and daily functioning.

There are different ways to understand grief. Some models describe stages or cycles, but researchers emphasize that grief is highly individual and can change over time. Distress typically diminishes gradually, but for some individuals the response persists longer and can hinder function. In some diagnostic frameworks, prolonged or complicated grief is recognized as a condition requiring clinical attention; in ICD-11 this is termed prolonged grief disorder.

Coping and support play a major role in adaptation. Social support, open communication, and culturally meaningful rituals can aid adjustment. Grief work may involve expressing emotions, maintaining routines, and creating or preserving memories of the deceased. Professional help is available for those with prolonged distress, impaired functioning, or co-occurring mental health issues, including counseling, psychotherapy, or family therapy. Pharmacotherapy is not for grief itself but may address symptoms such as depression or anxiety when present. Early help should be sought if there is a concern about safety or inability to function.