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    Grief and Loss

    Losing someone you care about is painful. Grief is the emotional reaction that follows. It’s a normal process. It has both physical and emotional signs. But even with major life changes, such as the loss of a spouse or parent, you can face the loss and move on.

    Man with arm around woman on couch.

    Grief takes many forms

    Each person will have their own grief process. Over time, grief should slowly help you adapt to the loss. These normal grief reactions are common:

    • Not wanting to believe the loss is real

    • Feeling emotional numbness or shock

    • Feeling annoyed or outright angry at the loved one who died

    • Thinking you could have done something to stop the loss

    • Feeling sad or hopeless

    • Loss of appetite and sleep

    • Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy

    Normal grief often doesn't need to be treated. You'll slowly start feeling more adjusted to your new life. You will usually have adaptation within 6 to 12 months of the loss, but there are no rules. Each person is unique. The grief tends to become more subdued with time, but it is still present. In some cases, grief lasts a long time or is more severe. This may need to be treated with talk therapy. So may depression that's linked to grief. If you are concerned about your grief, talk with your healthcare provider about individual counseling, family counseling, or grief support groups.

    Online Medical Reviewer: L Renee Watson MSN RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Sabrina Felson MD
    Date Last Reviewed: 7/1/2023
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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