Can Grief Permanently Damage Your Brain?
Medically reviewed by Nicole Washington, DO, MPH — Written by Traci Pedersen — Updated on May 6, 2022
Though grief can have a significant effect on the brain, these changes are temporary for most people. The brain is resilient and able to rebalance itself over time, even after very painful experiences.
If you feel like grief is overwhelming your ability to function, consider reaching out for help. A mental health professional can help you learn healthy coping mechanisms to keep grief from settling into depression.
The following may help assist in the overall healing process:
counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
journaling
meditation
exercise
yoga or martial arts
creative hobbies, like drawing, knitting, and writing
While prolonged grief can change the way you see the world and make regular day-to-day activities more difficult, there’s no science showing these effects are permanent.
There isn’t a specific timetable for grief, but many people begin to feel better after several months and will continue their healing journey throughout the years.