Now, this may seem too obvious for comment. I believe that this is partly due to the prevalence of medications intended for use in major depression, anxiety disorders, and other disorders which can also be prescribed for emotional consequences of adjustment challenges or situational crises. Some useful guidelines for any of us in knowing whether professional assistance versus interpersonal support is required are time, intensity, and reason. Transitions in response to losses or worries are relatively brief compared to the emotional symptoms of mental disorders. Sorry, but it is hard to say.
Intensity is related to suffering.
Even a day of the suffering commonly found with major depression, or severe anxiety is too much. And finally, a realistic reason for worry or sadness may indicate that support and time will return one to a satisfying emotional state. But the interaction between each of these three criteria can be helpful in knowing when professional help is needed. The guidelines for diagnosis are quite clear, but especially for treatment planning, I hope he has seen a qualified practitioner. But the ritual is, by definition, consuming so much time that it interferes with the life of the sufferer.