Grief and Loss
Losing someone or something you care about is painful. And grief always follows. It’s a normal process, with both physical and emotional signs. But even with major life changes, such as the loss of a spouse or parent, you can face the loss and move on.
Losses We Grieve Over
Everyone feels a major loss at some point in life. These are just some of the types of loss you might be facing:
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The death of a family member or friend
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Health issues such as a permanent injury, chronic illness, or aging
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A breakup, separation, or divorce
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The loss of a job, a change in income, or other life changes.
How Loss Changes Us
Loss leaves a “hole” in your life where what you lost used to be. The loss can affect the way you see yourself. Your daily routine changes if you have lost a partner, child, or parent. Your self-image may change if you are no longer healthy. After a divorce, you may need to think about life on your own.
Grief Takes Many Forms
Grief isn’t just about sadness. It may make you experience a range of intense feelings. In fact, grief is often described as having five stages. They are: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. So from moment to moment, you may:
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Not want to believe the loss is real.
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Feel annoyed or outright angry.
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Think you could have done something to stop the loss.
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Have sad moods and feel hopeless.
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Accept that the loss is real and that you can cope.
Publication Source:
Stovall J. Bipolar disorder in adults: Pharmocotherapy for acute depression. UpToDate. 2011. http://www.uptodate.com/contents/bipolar-disorder-in-adults-pharmacotherapy-for-acute-depression?view=print. Accessed 3 November 2011.
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Stovall J. Bipolar disorder in adults: Pharmacotherapy for acute mania, mixed states, and hypomania. UpToDate. 2011. www.uptodate.com/contents/bipolar-disorder-in-adults-pharmacotherapy-for-acute-mania-mixed-states-and-hypomania. Accessed 3 Nov 2011.
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Tess An SG. Medical consultation for electroconvulsive therapy. UpToDate. 2011. http://www.uptodate.com/contents/medical-consultation-for-electroconvulsive-therapy?view=print. Accessed 11 November 2011.
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Varkula M JR, McIntire S, Ambrosini P,. Depression in children and adolescents. First Consult. 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/pdxmd/body/298154336-8/1232049367?type=med&eid=9-u1.0-_1_mt_1011027#Contributors. Accessed 12 November 2011.
Publication Source:
Walter HJ DD. Mood Disorders: Dysthymic Disorder. In: Kliegman RM SB, St. Geme III JW, Schor NF, Behrman RE,, ed. Kliegman: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:87.
Online Source:
Helpguide; A Project of the the Rotary Club of Santa Monica [CA] and Center for Healthy Aginghttp://www.helpguide.org/mental/grief_loss.htm
Online Source:
MedicineNet.comhttp://www.medicinenet.com/loss_grief_and_bereavement/article.htm
Online Medical Reviewer:
Finn, Barbara, PhD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Zisook, Sidney, MD
Date Last Reviewed:
3/14/2012
Date Last Modified:
4/2/2012
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