What Is Acute Grief?

Grief is a reaction to loss. It can arise in any loss situation whether it be a physical, tangible, symbolic or intangible loss. Grief is highly personal and subjective, and its effects vary in intensity depending on the individual.

Expert Insight

• Acute grief is the initial reaction to loss, which differs from bereavement or mourning. It may present physical symptoms such as shortness of breath and a tightness of breath in addition to emotional, spiritual and behavioral responses, according to "The Encyclopedia of Death and Dying"

Effects

• Medline Plus states there can be five stages to grief that do not have to be to linear or affect everyone. The stages are denial, anger, bargaining, sadness and acceptance. Acute grief symptoms can be persistent but subside with time. However, some people will form an attachment with the loss and certain events or dates can trigger an experience of grief.

Treatments

• Suffers of acute grief can benefit from various forms of help. Family and friends can offer emotional support. Support groups can be beneficial because members can share common experiences. Grief counselors can help with more complicated or disabling grief symptoms, or in the absence of other support networks.