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“I've lost someone and I'm struggling”
A short answer
We're sorry for your loss. Grief is a natural response to losing someone, not a disorder, and there's no single right way or timeline to grieve. Sometimes grief stays overwhelming, doesn't ease over time, or turns into depression or anxiety. That's when an evaluation can help, and reaching out doesn't mean you're grieving wrong.
What we'd like you to know
Grief can bring disbelief, numbness, anger, sadness and crying, and it can affect your sleep and your ability to get things done. Everyone grieves in their own way. The most intense phase may last up to about 2 months, and milder feelings can last a year or longer.
For some people, grief doesn't improve, lasts a long time and causes extreme distress. Ongoing grief can also lead to depression or drinking too much to cope. These are treatable, and getting help doesn't mean letting go of the person you lost.
If grief ever brings thoughts of not wanting to live, please reach out. If you're in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), any time, day or night. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Something to think about
Which sounds like you?
Tap the one that's closest. Nothing is saved or sent.
Strong, changing feelings are a normal part of early grief. Support from family and friends, or a grief support group, can help. If you're worried about how you're coping, we're happy to talk it through.
How grief affects mental healthWhen grief stays intense and keeps you from daily life over a long time, an evaluation can help sort out what's happening and what would help.
Grief and life changes at ANKTrouble sleeping is common in grief. When it's severe or don't improve, they can be signs of depression, which responds to treatment.
Depression care at ANKMany people do. Alcohol can make low mood, anxiety and sleep worse. We can talk about it without judgment.
If alcohol is affecting your moodThis isn't a diagnosis. Only an evaluation with a qualified provider can tell you what's going on.
Bring this to your visit
What helps your first visit
Tick what applies, then copy your list. Nothing is saved or sent.
Myth or fact? Grief
Choose an answer for each to see the explanation. Nothing is saved.
1There's a right way and a right amount of time to grieve.
Myth. Everyone grieves in their own way, and milder feelings of grief can last a year or longer.
2Trouble sleeping is common when you're grieving.
Fact. Crying spells, trouble sleeping and getting less done are common reactions to grief.
3Getting help for grief means you're trying to forget the person.
Myth. Treatment for depression or anxiety after a loss helps you function and cope. It doesn't take away your love for the person you lost.
What to expect
What happens next with us
1Start your intake packet
Fill out our secure intake packet. Once it's submitted, we'll verify your insurance and call you to schedule your appointment.
2A careful evaluation
We take time to hear about your loss, how you're coping, your sleep, health and history, at a pace that feels right to you.
3Your options, explained
We tell you what we think is going on. If depression or anxiety has developed, we talk through the options, with and without medication, and you decide together with your provider. We don't offer standalone weekly therapy, but we're happy to help you find a therapist and will coordinate with them as part of your care.
4Regular follow-ups
We check in regularly to see how you're doing and adjust carefully. Regular follow-ups are how patients stay on track.
The science: how we checked this
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Grief
- National Cancer Institute: Grief, bereavement and coping with loss
- NIMH: Depression
How we checked this
- Written in our own words from the sources above, checked October 26, 2026.
- What happens at ANK describes our own approach; it isn't drawn from these sources.
- General information, not medical advice; talk with your provider.
Other starting points