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Prolonged Grief
Overview
With prolonged grief, you may have an intense feeling of longing for a person who has died. You may have trouble thinking about anything other than the person who died. These feelings may interfere with your ability to take care of your daily responsibilities. They last longer than is usual for others in your social circle or from your cultural background.
You may be at risk for prolonged grief if you:
- Had several major losses in a short period of time.
- Lost someone very important in your life.
- Experienced the unexpected or violent death of a loved one, such as the death of a child or a death caused by an accident, a homicide, or a suicide.
- Have a history of depression or anxiety.
How people express prolonged grief varies. People may:
- Act as though nothing has changed. They may refuse to talk about the loss.
- Become preoccupied with the memory of the lost person. They may not be able to talk or think about anything else.
- Drink more alcohol or use more tobacco.
- Have trouble sleeping, or sleep a lot.
- Isolate themselves from other people.
Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
- Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
- Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Related Information
Credits
Current as of: June 16, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Jean S. Kutner MD, MSPH - Geriatric Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
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Overview- Top of the page
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Credits
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Related Information- Top of the page
Current as of: June 16, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Jean S. Kutner MD, MSPH - Geriatric Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
