Death & Grief

Bereavement – The period of mourning and intense grief after the death of a loved one. It often results in a great longing for the deceased and a period of adjustment which may take years.

Grief – The deep or intense sorrow or distress felt after a loss, especially if the loss involves the death of a loved one. The grief process is individual to each person and is an essential part of healing.

Disenfranchised grief – Grief that cannot be openly expressed due to personal or societal standards. In these situations, grief can become extremely confusing and internalizing.

Situations that may result in disenfranchised grief include:

• An extra-marital relationship with the deceased
• A samesex relationship with the deceased that was not made known to family and friends
• Suicide
• Homicide that occurs at the hands of another family member
• Murder-suicide deaths

Anyone who has suffered a loss may experience the five stages of grief:

• Denial – An inability to accept what has happened. It is common to feel that what happened is all just a bad dream.
• Anger – Wondering why this is happening feeling that life is unfair.
• Bargaining – Attempting to negotiate for an extended life by making promises.
• Depression – Feeling too sad to do anything; sorrow comes to the forefront.
• Acceptance – Coming to terms with and accepting what has happened.

Not everyone will experience all five stages, and the stages may be experienced in any order.