Although grief is a necessary process for losses of every kind, complicated grief occurs when one cannot adapt to their losses. The same is true for bereavement, which is the period of grief and mourning after experiencing a loss. Symptoms of complicated grief or bereavement can include:

• extended periods of acute grief

• extensive preoccupation with the loss

• feelings of worthlessness

• extended feelings of numbness or denial

• changes in personal relationships

• engaging in self-destructive activities.