The Library
ExplainerGriefMental health1 minute read
Grief that will not ease
When a loss takes over a life for a very long time, and what can help.
Grief never fully goes away, and it should not have to. But for some people, it stays so intense for so long that they cannot live their life. This is sometimes called prolonged grief.
Signs it may be more than ordinary grief
- A long time has passed and the pain is as strong as at the start
- You cannot accept that the death happened
- You avoid everything that reminds you, or can think of nothing else
- You feel life has no meaning without them
- You cannot work, look after yourself, or connect with others
It is not a failure
It is not about loving too much, or being weak. It is a recognised condition, and there are treatments that help.
What to do
Talk to a doctor or a counsellor experienced with grief. You can say, "It has been a long time and I am not able to live my life."
If you feel you cannot go on, please use the crisis lines for your country.
