Loss, Grief, Bereavement

  • What Are Loss, Grief & Bereavement?

    Loss refers to the absence of someone or something significant, such as the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or loss of health or independence.

    Grief is the natural emotional response to loss, involving feelings like sadness, anger, confusion, or even relief.

    Bereavement specifically refers to the period of mourning after the death of a loved one.

    These experiences are deeply personal. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to grieve, and the process may look different for everyone.

  • Common Symptoms of Grief

    Grief affects people emotionally, physically, and mentally. Common experiences may include:

    Intense sadness, emptiness, or longing

    Shock, numbness, or disbelief

    Anger, guilt, or regret

    Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

    Changes in sleep or appetite

    Fatigue or low energy

    Physical symptoms such as chest tightness, headaches, or stomach upset

    A sense of disconnection or withdrawal from others

  • How Is Grief Managed or Supported?

    Grieving the loss of a loved one or a meaningful part of life can feel overwhelming and deeply painful. You don’t have to carry it all alone. We offers a safe, supportive space where your feelings are honored and your story is heard. Together, we may use approaches like mindfulness to help you find calm during difficult moments, or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to gently hold both your grief and the possibility of reconnecting with meaning and purpose. Some people also find comfort in exploring their experiences more deeply through grief counseling or psychodynamic therapy. While therapy cannot take away your loss, it can help you find resilience, honor your loved one, and slowly create space for healing and hope.

  • Helping A Friend Or Loved One

    Supporting someone through loss requires compassion and presence. You can:

    Listen without trying to “fix” their grief

    Acknowledge the loss—avoid avoiding the topic out of discomfort

    Offer practical support, such as meals, childcare, or errands

    Respect their process—grief has no timeline

    Check in regularly, even weeks or months after the loss

    Encourage professional support if they seem overwhelmed or stuck

Grief, Loss, Bereavement FAQs

  • There is no set timeline. For some, grief softens in months; for others, it may take years. The intensity usually lessens over time, but moments of grief may resurface.

  • Yes. Grief brings a wide range of emotions. Feeling anger, guilt, or even relief (such as after a loved one’s long illness) is normal and does not mean you loved them less.

  • Grief often comes in waves and is tied to the loss, while depression is more persistent and affects overall mood, motivation, and self-worth. Sometimes, they overlap and professional help is needed.

  • : No. Children benefit from honest, age-appropriate conversations about loss. Including them in rituals helps them feel connected and supported.

  • This is when grief remains very intense and prolonged, interfering with daily life for an extended time. It may require specialized therapy to process and heal.

  •  While painful, grief can also lead to personal growth, deeper appreciation for life, and stronger connections with others over time.