Grief is much more than just feeling sad—it can be an emotional rollercoaster. Reminiscing on an old memory could fill you with joy, happiness, and contentment. But you can also experience anger, longing, sadness, or numbness.
After a loss, grief has a way of sticking around. If you’ve been going through the grieving process and feel like even the small tasks you try to tackle throughout your day are taking up all of your energy, or if you’re feeling foggy and more exhausted than usual, it could be a sign of grief fatigue. Let’s learn more about grief fatigue and how long it typically lasts.
What Is Grief Fatigue?
Grief fatigue is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that can happen with loss. It’s the body’s natural response to the emotions, shock, and stress that grief can bring. Your body and brain go into survival mode when you lose something meaningful to you, such as a loved one, career, pet, relationship, or even a version of your life that you thought you’d have.
The Symptoms
Everyone experiences grief in their own way. Below are some of the most common symptoms of grief fatigue:
- Body aches
- Brain fog
- Difficulty focusing
- Emotional numbness
- Feeling exhausted, even after rest
- Heachaches
- Hypersensitivity
- Lack of motivation
- Loss of interest in things
The signs and symptoms of grief fatigue may appear like weakness or laziness, but it’s just your body’s way of adapting to a big life change that is difficult to navigate.
How Long Does Grief Fatigue Last?
With grief and grief fatigue, there isn’t a set timeline. You can’t circle a date on the calendar and expect to be fully healed and back to your normal self that was around before the loss occurred. Different types of grief fatigue can determine how long it may last.
Acute Grief Fatigue
Acute grief fatigue can last from a few weeks up to a few months after a loss occurs. This is the time when grief fatigue can be the most intense. During this time, your system is still in shock, everything feels heavy, and you may even feel disconnected from reality.
Lingering Fatigue
After the initial shock of your loss fades, you can still experience low energy or emotional heaviness for six months, a year, or even longer. Sometimes, certain dates like anniversaries, birthdays, or holidays can act as emotional triggers.
Prolonged Fatigue
When grief is tied to a traumatic or complex loss, the fatigue can last even longer. This can also happen if you’re balancing multiple stressful life events, such as caregiving for a family member, navigating your own health problems, or experiencing financial struggles. Additional support is often required in the case of prolonged grief fatigue.
Factors that Impact How Long Grief Fatigue Lasts
No two people experience grief exactly the same way. Grief must be done according to each person’s unique needs. These are some of the key factors that can influence how long grief fatigue lasts:
- Lifestyle factors
- Mental health history
- Personal support systems
- Physical health
- Type of loss
How to Overcome Grief Fatigue
Grief takes time, but there are certain things you can do to help you get through this time. Taking care of your body by getting rest, nutritious foods, and regular physical movement can provide a foundation for healing. Allowing yourself to feel difficult emotions and seeking support from people around you can set you in the right direction.
Grief fatigue can feel like it’s never-ending, but it will get better with time and patience. Some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay. There isn’t a right or wrong amount of time to grieve, and it isn’t a linear journey. Give yourself grace, and don’t be afraid to reach out for extra support during this time. Grief counseling can help. We’re here when you’re ready.
