Mourning; Grieving; Bereavement
Treatment
Emotional support for the grieving process is usually provided by family and friends. Sometimes outside factors can influence the normal grieving process, and outside help from clergy, social workers, mental health specialists, or
The acute phase of grief can usually last up to 2 months, but some residual milder symptoms may extend a year or longer. Psychological counseling may benefit a person suffering from absent grief reaction, or from
Support Groups
The
Expectations (prognosis)
It may take a year or longer to overcome strong feelings associated with loss, and to reach acceptance.
Complications
Grief and loss can have an adverse effect on overall health. It can contribute to depression or excessive use of alcohol or drugs.
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you are unable to deal with grief, are using excessive amounts of drugs or alcohol, become severely depressed, or have prolonged depression that interferes with your daily functioning.

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