Understanding Grief

Grief is a process unique to each person. But while we all heal at our own unique pace, there are times when professional assistance and resources can support you and your family and help you cope during your grief journey.

The Grieving Process

If you have lost a loved one, friend or coworker, or experienced a traumatic event that has changed your life, it's normal to grieve. The grieving process allows us time to reflect and find new strength to continue the grief journey.

Understanding more about grief and the grieving process can help you heal, yet grief is frequently misunderstood and many misconceptions continue.

For more information about children’s grief, visit our Children and Grief area.

Myths and Realities

Whenever we have a loss, we experience grief. Because grief can be such a strong emotion, it can leave us feeling overwhelmed and confused. The Hospice Foundation of America offers this list of myths and realities about living with grief.

Myth 1: We only grieve deaths.
Reality: We grieve all losses.

Myth 2: Only family members grieve.
Reality: All who are attached grieve.

Myth 3: Grief is an emotional reaction.
Reality: Grief is manifested in many ways.

Myth 4: Individuals should leave their grieving at home.
Reality: We cannot control where we grieve.

Myth 5: We slowly and predictably recover from grief.
Reality: Grief is an uneven process, a roller coaster with no timeline.

Myth 6: Grieving necessitates detachment.
Reality: We never fully detach.

Myth 7: Grief finally ends.
Reality: Over time most people learn to live with their loss.

Myth 8: Grievers are best left alone.
Reality: Grievers need opportunities to share their memories and grief and to receive support.