Bereavement

Bereavement is the period of grief and mourning after a death. Grief is a normal response to loss. You may experience it mentally, physically, socially, and emotionally. Mental reactions can include anger, guilt, anxiety, sadness, and despair. Physical reactions can include trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, or feeling unwell.

How long bereavement lasts depends on the relationship you had with the person, whether the death was expected, and other circumstances. Family, friends, and faith can be sources of support. In India, extended family networks are often a natural source of care, but professional grief counselling or therapy is also available — particularly helpful for complicated or prolonged grief, or when the loss is sudden or traumatic.

If grief is interfering with daily life months after the loss — severe sleep problems, inability to function, thoughts of self-harm — speak to a doctor or mental-health professional.