It’s a question most people facing grief want to know. How long is this going to last? There is no simple answer since it isn’t a predictable science. However, you should know that it does not go on indefinitely. Keep in mind that the loss of your loved one is likely to have long-lasting impacts on your life. You will have changes in your life, and you will likely always miss and remember your loved one but that doesn’t mean you’ll be painfully grieving forever. You should view grief as a process of going from one stage of your life to the next.

How Long Until You Feel Better?

The length of time it takes for you to get back on track is quite up to you as well as the way you process the grief you feel. Most people begin to feel better within six to eight weeks. Various factors can impact this, though, including how direct the impact of the loss is, who has died, and what type of support you have. Within a few weeks, sometimes months though, you should see yourself progressing to a more calming stage and feeling at least as though you can begin to move forward.

It can take six months to four years, though, for grieve to be managed. It may take you that long before you really feel ready to create a new life or that you no longer feel overwhelmed with grief when thinking of your lost loved one. That seems like a long time, but it is a transition phase that most cannot hurry.

If you feel as though you are grieving endlessly and that it is not progressing to a better level, seek out help. Utilize online support groups, talk to a local professional, or find a friend that you really trust. When you take these steps, you’ll give yourself more time and attention to work through the grieving process. It may help you to progress faster or at least help you to feel better than you do.