Bereavement and Grief

During most people's lives at least one person close to them will die, yet most people know so little about the normal grieving process. The reason could be the denial of mortality. Bereavement is the reaction to the loss of someone or something that really matters emotionally and personally. Examples of major losses could be death, separation, divorce, infertility, miscarriage, life threatening illness, disability, rape, leaving home or abortion.

Grief is a complex response to bereavement, and the psychological process of recovery is known as mourning — a process that can be helped by people, trained or otherwise, who will listen and understand. Seeking support from family and friends becomes very important for recovery.