Getting professional help to deal with grief

But for some, the grief is unending and all-consuming. Such complicated grief might lead to depression if not addressed. Photo:123rf.com

Grief – the deep, wrenching sorrow of loss - usually abates with the passage of time. Human beings, says psychologist Assoc Prof Dr Anasuya Jegathevi Jegathesan, have over time developed an innate ability to cope with grief. The passage of time usually helps, as do rituals that give the bereaved a sense of closure to their relationship with a loved one they’ve lost.

But for some, the grief is unending and all-consuming. So is the feeling of guilt. This, she says, is complicated grief or grief-plus and those who suffer from it might need help navigating themselves out of it.