Most people experiencing normal grief and bereavement have a period of sorrow, numbness, and even guilt and anger. Gradually these feelings ease, and it's possible to accept loss and move forward. For some people, feelings of loss are so strong they don't improve even after time passes. .

The grieving process

Different people follow different paths through the grieving experience. The order and timing of these phases may vary from person to person:

• Accepting the reality of your loss
• Allowing yourself to experience the pain of your loss
• Adjusting to a new reality in which the deceased is no longer present
• Having other relationships

During the first few months after a loss, most of the normal grief symptoms gradually start to fade. If you've lost a loved one after a considerable amount of time you are still feeling such profound disbelief, hopelessness or intense yearning for your loved one that you can't function in daily life, or if intense grief doesn't improve over time, you may need to seek professional help.

Signs and Symptoms

You may benefit from professional help if, over time, you continue to:

• Have trouble carrying out normal routines
• Withdraw from social activities
• Experience depression or deep sadness
• Have thoughts of guilt or self-blame
• Believe that you did something wrong or could have prevented the death
• Have lost your sense of purpose in life
• Feel life isn't worth living without your loved one
• Wish you had died along with your loved one

If you recognise any of the above signs and symptoms talk to a professional right away, this could be a doctor or a counselling service.