SUN Behavioral Health Releases Expert Guide on Identifying When Grief Becomes Acute Depression

February 27, 2025 at 12:10 PM EST

Erlanger, KY – A local Erlanger rehab facility, SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky, recently released a blog post underlining the signs to look for that indicate a person’s grief has turned into a mental health condition, like acute depression, and requires treatment. The blog post explains that grief is a normal, natural, and universal reaction from the brain and body in response to loss. This loss can come from the death of a loved one, but it might also result from other losses like job, health, relationship, etc. Additionally, this process has no set timeline and affects everyone differently. Some people recover from grief within a year, while others need longer or require assistance transitioning to a less severe form of grief. When someone requires this help, it is known as prolonged grief, making it difficult for someone to carry out their daily responsibilities.

“The intensity of grief should subside with time. With prolonged grief, these feelings don’t improve – they may even get worse,” the blog post states. “Because of this, some people are unable to adapt to life without the loved one they lost. An estimated 7% of people will experience prolonged grief. While anyone can experience prolonged grief, some factors make someone more likely. One of the main factors is if the circumstances surrounding death were traumatic. Examples include losing a child or spouse, losing a parent at a young age, murders, multiple deaths in a short period, deaths caused by disasters, and deaths that were untimely, unexpected, or sudden.”

The blog post continues to explain that complicated grief is a type of prolonged grief that results in someone not being able to adapt to or accept a loss. They might feel like they have lost a sense of meaning and satisfaction in their life, which can lead to intense or worsening depression symptoms that get in the way of a person’s ability to accomplish responsibilities. Treatment is required for someone who has complicated grief to find healing. This treatment involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medications, and other tools that restore meaning to their lives.

Depression during grief is not necessarily a reason for concern, the blog post continues to explain. It is a part of the natural five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.) These stages are not set in stone and may occur at different times for different people. Some experience multiple stages more than once, others in different orders, and some skip stages altogether. All of them are normal and necessary for healing from a loss naturally. However, the blog post cautions that if any of these stages prevent someone from managing their responsibilities or living their life, or their symptoms are staying the same or getting worse for longer than 6 months, treatment might be necessary.

Common symptoms associated with acute depression that might come from someone with prolonged or complicated grief and would thus result in the need to seek treatment might include having a persistent sad mood, feeling “empty” or numb, or feelings of hopelessness, frustration, restlessness, guilt, worthlessness, and irritability. They might physically feel tired or slowed down, have changes in their sleep, appetite, and weight, or complain about body aches and pains, digestive concerns, and headaches. Behaviorally, they will become withdrawn and detached, feeling less sociable than they once were. They might not participate in activities they used to enjoy or be more likely to participate in risky ones. Someone with acute depression is also more likely to consume alcohol or substances as a way to cope. Self-care is also a concern for those with acute depression, as they are less likely to want to get out of bed, shower, or cook themselves a meal. Some might avoid going to work or school. A significant concern is if they start to develop suicidal thoughts. If this is the case, they should immediately go to a 24/7 crisis care center.

“Ultimately, there is no easy timeline for grief, and it can be challenging to get through on your own if you don’t have a strong support system. If you are experiencing any of the signs of acute depression mentioned above or find that you can’t function or achieve daily responsibilities, seek depression treatment as soon as possible. It will provide you with the tools that will allow you to find meaning in life again,” the blog post continues.

SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky solves unmet needs for adolescents and adults in Erlanger. Through their no-cost care assessments, they can meet with potential patients and work with them and their doctors to determine what treatment plan would help them heal from acute depression and grief. The facility also has a 24/7 crisis line, allowing individuals who require urgent mental health care to receive treatment as soon as possible. People do not need to call the facility before arriving.

For more information about the facility, visit their website or call them at 859-429-5188. SUN Behavioral Health solves unmet needs.

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For more information about SUN Behavioral Kentucky, contact the company here:

SUN Behavioral Kentucky
Cristi Mcalister
513-880-8217
info@sunkentucky.com
820 Dolwick Drive
Erlanger, Kentucky 41018

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SUN Behavioral Health Releases Expert Guide on Identifying When Grief Becomes Acute Depression

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