Grief is the natural response to losing someone or something important. It can follow a death, a miscarriage, a divorce, a lost job or a move away from home.
There is no correct way or timeline. Grief often comes in waves, and can include sadness, anger, guilt, numbness and even relief.
Common signs
- Waves of sadness or longing, often set off by reminders
- Trouble sleeping, eating or concentrating
- Feeling numb, angry or guilty
- Pulling away from people
- Hard days around birthdays, festivals and anniversaries
Having some of these does not mean you have grief & loss. Only a qualified professional can make a diagnosis.
When to get help
Talk to someone if grief feels stuck or is getting heavier over time, if you can't manage daily life many months later, or if you are thinking about not wanting to live.
In crisis right now? Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 (free, 24x7) or 112 in an emergency. More helplines
What helps
Being heard
Space to talk about the person or the loss, without managing anyone else's feelings.
Grief therapy
A therapist helps with complicated feelings and difficult firsts, and watches for signs of depression, which needs its own care.
Others who understand
Group sessions can help you feel less alone.
Something to try today
- Write to the person, or about what you miss.Journal →
- When it overwhelms you, breathe slowly for a minute.Guided breathing →
Talk to someone at Emoraa
Certified psychologists, online, in your language. These formats help with grief & loss:
- Grief & Loss50 minutes
- Group Sessions90 minutes
- Individual Therapy50 minutes
Questions people ask
There is no set time. For many people the pain softens gradually, while the love and memory stay.