Grief and Grieving

If you or someone you know develops complications of grief, such as disturbing or suicidal thoughts, depression, or anxiety, get help.

Call 911 or other emergency services if:

• You think you cannot stop yourself from harming or killing yourself.
• You hear voices that frighten you, especially if the voices tell you to hurt yourself or other people.
• Someone who is grieving tries to harm himself or herself or someone else.
• Someone who is grieving threatens to hurt someone else or makes Reference threats of suicide.

Call a doctor if:

• You feel hopeless and detached for more than a couple of weeks.
• You cannot stop yourself from thinking about death or suicide.
• You have a sudden change in your behavior that concerns you, such as drinking more alcohol than you normally do.
• You have been grieving longer than you think is good for you.
• Someone you know has Reference symptoms of depression. These symptoms include feeling sad and hopeless or losing interest in most daily activities.

Who to see

Counseling is best done by a mental health professional with experience in grief counseling, such as a:

• Reference Clinical social worker Opens New Window.
• Reference Psychologist Opens New Window.
• Reference Licensed professional counselor Opens New Window.
• Reference Psychiatrist Opens New Window, who can prescribe medicine to control symptoms. Some psychiatrists also offer counseling.

Health professionals who can help you if you are having medical or mental health problems requiring medicine include:

• Reference General practitioners Opens New Window.
• Reference Family medicine doctors Opens New Window.
• Reference Internists Opens New Window.
• Reference Psychiatrists Opens New Window.
• Reference Physician assistants Opens New Window.
• Reference Nurse practitioners Opens New Window.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.