Can Bereavement Cause Memory Loss?

Memory loss is quite a common symptom after a bereavement, along with confusion, inability to concentrate, feeling that you are going crazy.

But you're not losing your mind. Grief is a huge trauma and you are reeling from the shock of your loss. It's not surprising that you can't think straight. You have so much to process and and it takes a while to come to terms with your new world order.

It happens to all of us from time to time that we can't remember day to day things. But when you have suffered a loss in your life, you are much more prone to those forgetful moments. Your brain is occupied with processing your bereavement. You may have become numb with shock which can last days, weeks or even months. You might not be sleeping well. It's not surprising then, that you might forget a lot of little day to day things.

Woman with Baby looking like she can't remember something.

You find yourself driving in the wrong direction because you are automatic pilot when your brain is occupied with something else.
You forget where you put things.
You might miss an appointment because you have forgotten you made it or what day it is.
You forget things that people have told you on the phone.

The good news is that in most cases, as you get over your loss, your memory will go back to normal but give yourself time and don't panic about memory loss - that will only add to your anxiety.

Complicated grief and memory loss

Complicated grief is when grief goes on for longer than normal and has a severe impact on your quality of life. You may be suffering from complicated grief if:

you are finding it difficult to think about anything other than your lost loved one,
you replay the circumstances of their death over and over
you are constantly pining for them and missing them
you are unable to look back at happy memories of the deceased person
you can't find any pleasure or meaning in life
your intense mourning has been going on for a long period of time without fading or becoming easier to bear

If you are feeling like this, it is probable that you have become stuck in this heightened state of grief from which you cannot heal on your own.

Studies have shown that those who have complicated grief often have memory loss where they are unable to remember every day things, but on the other hand, can remember with extreme clarity everything to do with the person they have lost.

If you think this could be you, it is essential to get some help. Call your doctor or a counselor, or use the confidential online counseling service we recommend below.

Where to get help:

Have You Considered One-on-One Online Grief Counseling?

Get Expert and Effective Help in the Comfort of Your Own Home

The following information about online counseling is sponsored by 'Betterhelp' but all the opinions are our own. To be upfront, we do receive a commission when you sign up with 'Betterhelp', but we have total faith in their expertise and would never recommend something we didn't completely approve.

Do you feel alone and sad with no support and no idea how to move forward? It can be tough when you are stuck in grief to find the motivation to get the most out of your precious life.

Online counseling can help by giving you that support so you don't feel so alone. You can have someone to talk to anytime you like, a kind and understanding person who will help you to find meaning in life again, to treasure the memories of your loved one without being overwhelmed and to enjoy your activities, family and friends again.

Simply fill out the online questionnaire and you will be assigned the expert grief counselor most suitable for you. It only takes a few minutes and you don't even have to use your name.
Pay an affordable FLAT FEE FOR UNLIMITED SESSIONS.
Contact your counselor whenever you like by chat, messaging, video or phone.
You can change counselor at any time if you wish.
Click here to find out more and get started immediately.
Or read more about how online counseling works here.

Woman Crying. Get Started with Online Counselling

Sales from our pages result in a small commission to us which helps us to continue our work supporting the grieving.

Hypnosis for Grief - 10 Ways It Can Help You

Try a gentle hypnotherapy track to relax the mind. Learn how self-hypnosis can help you cope with grief at any time of the day or night.

For Remembrance:

Sales from our pages result in a small commission to us which helps us to continue our work supporting the grieving.

Heart Shaped Sterling Silver Pendant for Cremation Ashes, Engraved Forever Loved

Memorial Jewelry to Honour a Loved One

Check out our lovely range of memorial jewelry for any lost loved one. Pendants, necklaces, rings or bracelets, we have them all in all kinds of styles. Choose for yourself or buy as a sympathy gift.

Click here to see our selection

Create an Online Memorial Website

Honour your loved one with their own memorial website. Share photos, videos, memories and more with your family and friends in a permanent online website. Free for basic plan with no ads.

Find out more here.

Find us here:

search engine by freefind

Sales made via this site will result in a small commission to us which enables us to continue our work helping those who are grieving. This does not affect the price you are charged and we will only ever recommend services and products in which we have complete faith.