Is My Grief ‘Normal’?

Understanding Complicated Grief and When to Seek Help

Grief is one of the most human experiences we can go through—and yet, it often leaves us feeling isolated, confused, or even broken.

There’s no right way to grieve. For some, the pain eases with time. For others, grief lingers in ways that feel overwhelming, prolonged, or impossible to navigate alone. If you’ve found yourself wondering “Is what I’m feeling normal?”, you’re certainly not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out on your own either.

At Social Team Work, we offer grief counselling in Sudbury and virtually across Ontario, helping individuals and families find steady ground through loss, no matter where they are in the grieving process.

What Is Complicated Grief?

While most people begin to experience some relief or re-engagement with life after a major loss, others may find their grief remains raw and intense, even many months or years later.

This is sometimes referred to as complicated grief (also known as prolonged grief disorder). It’s a persistent form of grief that doesn’t ease with time and may interfere with your ability to function or find meaning in everyday life.

Signs of Complicated or Prolonged Grief

Everyone grieves in their own time and way, but the following signs may indicate you’re experiencing complicated grief:

• Intense longing or preoccupation with the person or loss, long after it occurred

• Difficulty accepting the loss or feeling like it didn’t really happen

• Avoiding reminders of the loss—or being unable to think about anything else

• Ongoing numbness, bitterness, guilt, or detachment from others

• Struggling to re-engage with life, relationships, or work

• Feelings of hopelessness or that life has lost its meaning

Complicated grief is not a sign of weakness or failure. It’s a real, painful experience that deserves care and support.

When to Seek Grief Counselling

If your grief feels stuck—or if you simply feel overwhelmed by it—it may be time to reach out for help.

You don’t need to wait until things get “bad enough.” In fact, many people benefit from grief counselling simply by having a safe, compassionate space to process their emotions and begin finding a path forward.

You might consider counselling if:

• Your grief is interfering with sleep, daily routines, or mental health

• You feel disconnected from others or unable to talk about your loss

• You're facing a life transition (such as divorce, miscarriage, or job loss) and struggling to cope

• You're ready to honour your loss in a healthy way but aren’t sure where to begin.

Support When You Need It

Grief is deeply personal and you deserve support that’s just as personal. If you’re struggling with complicated grief or wondering when to seek grief counselling, know that help is here.

At Social Team Work, we’re committed to walking with you through loss, with warmth, professionalism, and genuine care. Contact us today to explore how grief counselling in Sudbury and across Ontario may be able to help you.