Grief, this complex and overwhelming emotion, does not work according to a schedule. It does not always arrive with the immediate shock and sadness we expect after a loss. It can appear weeks, months, or even years later, catching us off guard at the most unexpected times. Delayed grief can feel like an emotional storm, triggered by a song, a fleeting memory, or even a completely unrelated event. The experience of the unfolding of grief long after a loss might be confusing or disorienting but is actually more common than we would have imagined."Grief is not something that happens according to a set timeline," says Dr. Rahul Chandhok, Psychiatrist. The brain sometimes suppresses the pain of loss, prioritizing immediate survival and function, which may delay emotional responses. It is a natural part of how we process profound emotional pain. But while normal, it can be highly unsettling. Nature of Grief and Its Delayed ResponseGrief is that universal experience, but it manifests differently in one case than in another. The wave of grief may break immediately for some, overcoming them with emotions at the onset of the loss. For others, however, it may be pent up as they continue managing everyday responsibilities, leaving true emotional response to surface sometime later.Nishtha Jain, Counseling Psychologist, shares, "The priority of the brain is mostly to deal with the survival aspects of life—be it work, family, or other pressing concerns.".Thus, it may put off the emotional pain until the person feels safer or more stable, and then grief comes rushing back. It is often a coping mechanism to delay the emotional response so that individuals can deal with immediate tasks while avoiding deeper work with emotions that grief requires. The reality of delayed grief means that many people may experience their most intense emotions long after they expect it. For instance, a familiar song or some other event unrelated to the loss can trigger a person and make them feel the weight of sorrow they thought they had processed. This response can sometimes feel foreign, even startling, especially if the loss occurred years ago.Impact of Delayed GriefWhile the psychological, physical, and emotional weight of experiencing delayed grief is a part of the human experience, it doesn't make it any less difficult to live with.Grief postponed tends to materialize in sudden outbursts of emotions, an everlasting sense of sadness, or wave surges triggered by completely unrelated events. Says Dr. Chandhok, "When grief is delayed, it is a sign that the emotions are not allowed to settle down and have a right to be expressed. The body and mind are finding it tough to deal with the situation and thus the result appears as fatigue, headaches, loss of appetite, and more.This delayed grief sometimes leaves the individual with feelings of isolation. Such a person feels that no one around him or her will understand his or her grief, particularly if the loss occurred several years ago. People around them may not connect with the delayed emotions or may not even recognize that the grief has resurfaced. That feeling of not being understood often intensifies the feelings of loneliness and desperation.Nishtha Jain adds, "Delayed grief can also prompt other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression since the person cannot integrate the unprocessed emotions. Sometimes, the brain and body cannot differentiate between emotional and physical stress, which is why unresolved grief can have such a profound impact on one's overall well-being."Acknowledging and Validating Emotions Helps HealAlthough delayed grief can be confusing, it is important to note that it is a natural and valid part of the healing process.It's a sign that emotions, long buried or suppressed, are now being acknowledged and processed. As Dr. Chandhok explains, "It's important to allow yourself to feel the emotions that surface, no matter how long after the event they arise.". The body and mind are working in efforts to integrate the loss into the person's life story, and only in that way can healing start happening when we allow full presence of grief. Healing from delayed grief is not a straight line, and it may take quite some time. It will be necessary to have love from family members or help from professionals. For some people, just talking to that special friend or family member they can trust will be comfortable. For others, going to see a therapist or counselor can provide a structured space.Give yourself the grace to process grief on your own timeline," Jain advises. "Grief isn't something that should be rushed or forced. It's a deeply personal journey, and there is no right or wrong way to feel.Embracing the delayed response is even one aspect of healing. When a person experiences grief, they are actually able to embrace that pain in a way that becomes part of the greater narrative of recovery and growth. Instead of avoiding it or ignoring it, being honest with oneself about delayed grief opens people up for complete healing and moving on to further self-discovery.Grief, in all its forms, does not run on a schedule. The delayed grief is just as valid as the immediate outpouring of emotions related to loss. It is a very human experience, one that warrants compassion, understanding, and patience. Whether it is immediate or years later, it is all part of the emotional healing process.As Dr. Chandhok concludes, "Remember, it's never too late to feel, to seek help, or to heal. Grief has its own timeline, and the most important thing is to honor it—whenever it comes."Dr. Rahul Chandhok is Head Psychiatrist, Head Consultant, Mental Health and Behavioural Science at Artemis Hospitals and Nishtha Jain is a Counselling Psychologist with a Mental Health Platform- LISSUN.