Losing someone you love is one of life’s most difficult experiences. While grief is a natural reaction to loss, the process of bereavement — how we emotionally, mentally and physically adjust to life without someone — can be complicated and deeply personal.
In this article, we explore what bereavement means, how it affects mental health, the different ways people experience grief and how to find support when you’re navigating this difficult journey.
What Is Bereavement?
Bereavement refers to the period of mourning and adjustment following the death of a loved one. It’s a broad term that encompasses emotional, psychological, social and even physical reactions to loss. While grief describes the internal experience of sorrow, bereavement includes that emotional state and the time spent coping with the aftermath.
Though most commonly associated with the death of a loved one, bereavement can also apply to other major losses, such as the end of a significant relationship, the loss of a pet or even losing a job or way of life.
Grief and Mental Health: An Overlapping Journey
Grieving isn’t a sign of weakness or something to “get over.” Instead, it’s a vital part of emotional healing. However, grief and bereavement can impact mental health in powerful ways.
Some common psychological and emotional responses include:
- Persistent sadness or emotional numbness
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Changes in appetite or physical health
- Social withdrawal or irritability
These symptoms can mirror those of depression or anxiety disorders, and for some people, grief can develop into a more serious mental health condition. One such example is prolonged grief disorder, where the mourning process extends beyond cultural expectations and significantly impairs daily functioning.
If grief begins to interfere with your ability to work, care for yourself or maintain relationships, it may be time to seek help.
Bereavement and Depression: Knowing the Difference
It’s normal to feel depressed while grieving, but clinical depression and grief aren’t the same thing. Depression tends to involve persistent feelings of hopelessness and loss of interest in daily life, while grief often comes in waves and is linked directly to the loss.
Signs your grief may have developed into depression include:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt unrelated to the loss
- Inability to experience any joy
- Physical symptoms that don’t ease over time
- Ongoing difficulty functioning in daily life
If these signs persist for more than a few months, speaking with a mental health professional can make a significant difference.
Physical Symptoms of Bereavement
In addition to affecting your emotions, grief can have real physical effects. Some people experience:
- Chronic fatigue
- Aches and pains
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Weakened immune response
- Sleep disturbances
These symptoms are the body’s way of responding to extreme emotional stress. It’s important to take care of your physical health during bereavement by eating well, resting and staying hydrated, even if it feels difficult.
The Stages of Grief: A Nonlinear Process
While there’s no “correct” way to grieve, many people are familiar with the five stages of grief, originally proposed by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross:
- Denial. Refusing to accept the loss
- Anger. Feeling rage or resentment
- Bargaining. Hoping to reverse or postpone the loss
- Depression. Deep sorrow and helplessness
- Acceptance. Coming to terms with the reality
These stages aren’t a checklist. You may move between them, repeat some or skip others entirely. Grief is highly individual. Your timeline may look different from someone else’s, and that’s OK.
Bereavement in Children and Teens
Younger individuals often experience bereavement differently. Children may not have the words to express grief and may act out behaviorally instead. Teens might withdraw or turn to peers for support rather than family. Caregivers need to create safe, open conversations about loss and be patient with emotional responses.
Signs a child or teen may need professional help include:
- Ongoing difficulty sleeping or eating
- Extreme behavioral changes
- Risky behaviors or substance abuse
- Persistent detachment or anger
When to Seek Bereavement Counseling
Some people can navigate grief with the support of friends and family. Others may benefit from bereavement counseling, especially if:
- The loss was sudden or traumatic.
- The person had a complicated relationship with the deceased.
- Grief is interfering with work, school or relationships.
- There’s a history of mental illness or substance use.
- The person is experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Therapy can provide coping strategies, a safe space to process emotions and reassurance that you’re not alone in your experience.
Types of Support Available
Bereavement support comes in many forms, and you don’t have to choose just one:
- One-on-one therapy. Licensed therapists or grief counselors
- Support groups. Receiving support from peers, especially if the loss was similar
- Faith-based counseling. For those who find comfort in spiritual guidance
- Online resources. Forums, helplines and digital therapy platforms
Some widely available bereavement resources include:
- Mental Health Hotline. Confidential help finding a counselor or support group
- GriefShare. A nationwide network of support groups
- The Dougy Center. Focuses on grieving children and families
- National Alliance for Grieving Children. Offers education and local support resources
Coping With Bereavement in Daily Life
There’s no “fix” for grief, but there are practices that can support healing:
- Talk about the person you’ve lost. Share stories, memories or simply how you’re feeling.
- Stick to routines. Structure can bring comfort.
- Move your body. Light exercise can help ease physical tension and lift mood.
- Write it out. Journaling can clarify your thoughts and create space for emotional release.
- Practice mindfulness or meditation. Grounding exercises may reduce anxiety and improve sleep.
How Long Does Bereavement Last?
There’s no set timeline for grief. Some people feel functional within a few weeks, while others take years to adjust fully. Important dates, holidays or anniversaries may cause feelings to resurface unexpectedly. This is normal.
What matters most is that you’re moving toward healing, however slowly.
Final Thoughts
Bereavement is a deeply human experience. While the pain of loss can feel overwhelming, support is available, and healing is possible. Whether you’re navigating a recent loss or still processing one from years past, taking steps to care for your mental health matters.
If you or someone you love is struggling with grief, reach out. The Mental Health Hotline is here 24-7 to connect you with compassionate, professional support when you need it most.
