When should I seek professional support for my grief?

Grief deserves to be acknowledged, supported and understood. But it can sometimes become overwhelming or prolonged in ways that interfere with daily life. Feeling stuck can be normal, but if it persists, it is important to reach out for help.

What does grief look like?

There are many different responses to grief, and each person’s journey is unique.

Some common signs of grief include:

• Physical responses: Stomach issues, tightness in the chest or throat, oversensitivity to noise, breathlessness, muscle pain or weakness, lack of energy, feeling dissociated or disconnected from your body
• Emotional responses: Sadness, anger, guilt, anxiety, loneliness, fatigue, helplessness, numbness, shock, yearning or pining, emancipation, relief
• Cognitive responses: Disbelief, confusion, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, preoccupation, obsessive thoughts, hallucinations (auditory or visual)
• Behavioral responses: Changes in eating or sleeping habits, absent-minded behavior, withdrawing from others, avoiding reminders of the deceased, searching for the deceased, crying, restlessness, overactivity, visiting places, carrying objects to remember the deceased
• Spiritual responses: Questioning beliefs, strengthening beliefs, dreams or visions, seeing signs or symbols of the deceased, reevaluating one’s purpose, greater appreciation for life, prayer or meditation

Grief is not linear. You might feel better one day and overwhelmed the next. You might cry during a sentimental song, laugh as a memory is recited or feel numb after seeing something that reminds you of your loved one. These are all parts of the grieving process.

When grief becomes ‘complicated’

There may be times during your grief journey where you find yourself veering too far off course. This is commonly known as “complicated grief.” Instead of gradually adjusting to life after loss, you may feel trapped and unable to move forward.

Signs of complicated grief may include:

• Persistent, intense sadness that doesn’t ease over time
• Excessive avoidance of reminders of the person who died or the death itself
• Experiencing intense grief reactions from minor events
• Developing phobias about illness or death
• Making radical changes to one’s life and/or withdrawing from close relationships
• Difficulty functioning at work, school, home or in social settings
• Developing physical symptoms similar to those the deceased experienced before death
• Extreme guilt and/or lowered self-esteem
• Hopelessness or numbness that lasts for months
• A preoccupation with the loss that interferes with daily life
• Self-destructive behaviors or thoughts of self-harm

If you or someone you love is experiencing complicated grief, you might consider professional help. Professional grief support can provide tools, guidance and a safe space to process emotions.

How AccentCare supports grieving individuals and families

AccentCare offers a wide range of bereavement services (opens in new tab) designed to meet people where they are in their grief journey. Our support begins before a loved one’s death and continues for long after, helping families navigate the emotional, spiritual and practical aspects of loss.

Grief is a journey, not a destination. We understand grief doesn’t follow a set schedule or order. That’s why our team remains available to families for 13 months after a loved one’s death, offering continued care, resources and a listening ear.

If you or someone you know is experiencing grief that starts to feel unmanageable, know that support is available and that reaching out is a courageous step toward healing. Our bereavement services are designed to honor your loved one’s memory, provide comfort and help you find your way forward.