How Grief Impacts Mental Health and When to Seek Support

Written By Pacific Pines

Grief is a natural response to loss, but its effects on mental health can be profound and long-lasting. Whether you’re mourning the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a major life transition, grief can impact every area of your emotional and psychological well-being. At Pacific Pines Wellness, we believe in creating a safe space to explore these feelings and find healing.

Grief, counselling, therapy

Understanding the Emotional Impact of Grief

Grief is more than just sadness. It can include a wide range of emotions including:

  • Shock and disbelief

  • Anger or irritability

  • Guilt or regret

  • Fear and anxiety

  • Numbness or emotional detachment

These emotional responses are all part of the grieving process. However, when these feelings persist or interfere with daily functioning, they may signal a deeper mental health concern.

How Grief Can Affect Mental Health

Grief can disrupt brain chemistry and increase vulnerability to mental health conditions. Some common effects include:

Depression
Persistent grief can lead to major depressive disorder. Feelings of hopelessness, low self-worth, and loss of interest in life are key indicators.

Anxiety
Grief can trigger anxiety disorders, especially when the loss causes fear about the future or personal safety.

Complicated Grief
Also known as Prolonged Grief Disorder, this condition occurs when grief becomes chronic, lasting more than 12 months and severely impacting daily life.

Post-Traumatic Stress
In cases of sudden or traumatic loss, individuals may develop symptoms of PTSD, including flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.

Sleep and Appetite Disturbances
Grief often disrupts basic functions like sleeping and eating, further impacting emotional regulation and mental clarity.

When to Seek Grief Counseling or Professional Support

Not everyone who experiences grief needs therapy—but knowing when to seek support can make a crucial difference in your healing process. Consider reaching out for grief counselling or mental health support if:

  • Grief lasts longer than six months with no sign of improvement

  • You experience suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors

  • Daily responsibilities become overwhelming or unmanageable

  • You feel stuck, numb, or emotionally disconnected

  • You turn to substances to cope with your emotions

  • You are struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, or depression

At Pacific Pines Wellness, our compassionate therapists are trained in grief counselling and trauma-informed care, offering personalized support to help you process your emotions and rebuild a sense of hope.

Therapy provides a supportive space where your feelings are honoured and your story is heard. You don’t have to carry the weight of grief alone. If you or someone you love is struggling, reach out to Pacific Pines Wellness to learn more about our grief and mental health services.

References:

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Prolonged Grief Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org

Mayo Clinic. (2023). Grief: Coping with Reminders After a Loss. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org

National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Coping With Traumatic Events. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov

 

Pacific Pines
Previous

The Link Between Mental and Physical Health: Why Self-Care Matters
Next

What is Integrative Therapy and How Does It Benefit Adults?