What Is Grief?

Overview of Grief

Ever since Elizabeth Kubler-Ross(the pioneer in death and dying stages) wrote her groundbreaking book On Death and Dying (1969) Americans have been studying and openly discussing the grieving process. The loss or absence of someone or something you love is very painful. Giving attention to this painful process and our needs at this time is important. Accepting them as part of the grieving process and allowing yourself to feel what you feel is necessary for healing.

What is Grief?

Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s the complex response we experience when something or someone we love, are accustomed/attached to, or value is altered, lost, removed. Grief can impact the one’s self: emotionally, physically, spiritually, socially, and cognitively (or combination of these facets of oneself). Any loss can cause grief, including:

• A relationship breakup
• Loss of a loved one
• Loss of health
• Losing a job
• Loss of financial stability
• Death of a pet
• Loss of a friendship

Generally, the more significant the loss, the more intense the grief will be.