Grief and Loss

Grieving is the outward expression of your loss. Loss of a loved one is one of life’s most stressful events and can cause a major emotional crisis.

Emotional response:

• Denial, Disbelief, confusion, shock, sadness, yearning, anger and depression
• Feelings may come with unexpected intensity and/or quick mood changes
• Expression of each feeling is important in the grieving process.
• Reactions will be influenced by your relationship to the individual
• The circumstances may also impact your response
• Loss can impact your natural health defenses
• There is no clear timeline for grieving, but time spent focused on grieving should lessen over weeks to a few months.
• Stronger reactions such as anxiety attacks, chronic fatigue, on-going depression or obsession about the deceased may occur.
• Children grieve differently than adults
• Elderly are especially vulnerable when losing a lifelong companion, child or spouse.
• Loss due to suicide may complicate grief with feelings of guilt, anger and shame for survivors.