What Is Grief?
Grief is a natural response to death or significant loss. It affects people emotionally, physically, and socially.
The journey is highly individual — some find solace over months while others need longer, structured support to navigate their feelings and adjust to life after a loss.
What Causes Grief?
Loss comes in many forms. Even positive life changes can sometimes trigger a grieving process.
Personal Loss
- Death of a loved one or friend
- Miscarriage
Life Changes
- Relationship breakdown or divorce
- Severe or prolonged illness
- Loss of employment or financial stability
Common Types of Grief Disorders
Normal grief
A natural adaptation after loss that gradually eases over time.
Complicated grief
Persistent and disabling grief that often benefits from therapeutic support.
Anticipatory grief
Grieving before an expected loss, such as during a terminal illness.
Disenfranchised grief
Grief that isn't socially recognized, validated, or supported.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Grief is often conceptualized in stages, though people may not experience them in a set order:
Common Stages of Grief
- Denial: Feeling numb or in disbelief
- Anger: Feeling frustrated or resentful
- Depression: Experiencing deep sadness or withdrawal
- Bargaining: Dwelling on "what if" or "if only" statements
- Acceptance: Finding a way to move forward while honoring the loss
Treating Grief at SavantCare
While grief is not an illness to be cured, therapeutic support can help individuals navigate the process.
Grief Counseling
Provides a safe space to express feelings, understand the grieving process, and learn healthy coping strategies.
Support Groups
Connecting with others who have experienced similar losses can reduce isolation and provide mutual understanding.
Your Care Team
Our board-certified psychiatrists specialize in treating psychotic disorders with compassion and expertise.
Dr. Bernice Ponce de Leon
DO, Board-Certified Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist | Licensed in CA, NV
View profileWhen Should You Seek Help?
While grief is natural, professional support can be helpful when it feels overwhelming. Consider seeking help if:
Reach out if you or a loved one experience:
- Grief persists for a very long time without easing
- It significantly interferes with your ability to function daily
- You experience intense feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
- You have thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Ready to take the next step?
Our team is here to help — no pressure, no judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no set timeline for grief. It is a highly individual process that can vary greatly from person to person depending on the nature of the loss and personal circumstances.
Complicated grief, sometimes called prolonged grief disorder, occurs when feelings of loss are debilitating and don't improve over time, making it difficult to resume daily activities.