Grief is a normal and natural reaction to the death of a loved one. Most of us are not prepared for the long journey of grief which is sometimes devastating, frightening, and often lonely. We may think, do and say things that are very unlike us. There seems to be no respite, no end to the intense feelings that we experience. Grief has been likened to a raw open wound. With great care it eventually will heal but there will always be a scar. Life will never be the same but eventually you will get better.
Grief is also a normal reaction to other kinds of losses, such as loss of health, loss of a job, loss of a loved one through separation, or the loss of a dream. The feelings associated with these losses can be just as intense and frightening as when there has been a death. Children and youth experience grief in their own unique way. Depending on the age and stage of development, they may not fully comprehend what is happening. It is often difficult for the adults in their lives to know how to respond to their grief.
Remember, there is no one right way to grieve and there is no set timeline for grief. It is a time to offer yourself compassion and patience. Moving through grief is a personal journey that can be lonely and frightening, but may also be a time of self-growth and discovery.