I feel I should be able to handle this grief myself, but my husband keeps suggesting counseling. Most experts feel the most intense time for grief is the first six months after a loss, but in my personal practice, I’ve observed many people for whom intense grief lasts longer. If you feel your grief is overwhelming and is affecting your quality of life, it’s wise to seek support. Your grief is complicated by your feelings about the last months of your gram’s life. When she observed my grief and realized I’d hidden it from the child’s family, she assured me that shared grief is healthy and helpful.