Normal bereavement typically lasts less than how many months?

• A. 1 month
• B. 12 months
• C. 6 months
• D. 3 months

Answer: (C)

Normal bereavement follows a trajectory where distress declines over weeks to months, with most people returning to baseline functioning within about six months. Early intense sadness, sleep disturbance, and preoccupation with the loss are common, but these tend to lessen as time goes on. If symptoms persist or remain severe beyond six months, or if there is pervasive hopelessness, inability to function, or symptoms that meet criteria for a depressive disorder or prolonged grief, then additional evaluation is needed. Shorter timeframes like one month or three months reflect acute distress, while twelve months is longer than typical for normal bereavement. Therefore, six months is the best answer.