Everyone will experience loss at some point in life. However, there is a difference between grief and bereavement. Grief describes the response to any type of loss. Bereavement is grief that involves the death of a loved one.

Grief includes variety of feelings that go along with the process of moving on from a significant change or loss. The experience and expression of this process can take on a variety of forms. Grief can include experiencing misplaced guilt, sadness, anger, longing, and regret. When we are grieving, we can vacillate from one thought or emotional state to another as we adapt to the loss.

There are many perspectives on grief from a variety of disciplines. The conventional psychological models used to understand grief include the five stages of grief, the four tasks of mourning, and the dual-process model.  

The Five Stages of Grief by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross 

• Denial 
• Anger
• Bargaining 
• Depression
• Acceptance 

Four Tasks of Mourning by J. W. Worden

The four tasks of mourning divide grief into its essential functions: 

• Accepting the reality of the loss.
• Working through the pain of bereavement.
• Adjusting to life without that person. 
• Keeping a connection to the deceased as you move on.

Grief Recovery

As mentioned earlier, the timing and expression of grief can be different for each of us. Some report feeling better and getting back to normal activity after about six weeks, but, the whole process can take between 6 months – 4 years to complete. 

Complicated Grief

Complicated grief is when a person’s life becomes consumed with the experience of grief, and their activities of daily living are impaired. The symptoms of complicated grief include: 

• Feelings of despair 
• Hopelessness 
• Continued thoughts about the loss of the way the loss happened (Rumination) 
• Feeling emotionally empty
• Yearning to reconnect with the deceased 
• Avoiding people, places, and things that bring the deceased to mind
• Confusion about self-concept 
• Isolation
• Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed.

A significant loss or bereavement can trigger. Depression symptoms can make processing the loss of a loved one complicated. Read more about Depression. 

Therapy

A therapist can help a person in the grief process recognize and manage any depressive symptoms.  If you are struggling with a significant life change like the loss of a loved one, job loss, or stage of life transition like children starting college. A therapist can help. Talking about and processing these major life events is an essential part of caring for our mental health needs.

• Therapy focuses on thoughts, feelings, and problems that are currently influencing your mood and behavior. Often‚ working to process your past can help when those events are effecting your perspective and choices today. Using this perspective, finding ways to manage what is happening in your present situation, and developing coping strategies can move you towards healing and resilience. In therapy, you develop skills to help you cope with daily challenges, modify behaviors‚, and discover solutions. Speaking openly and honestly about your life is an essential part of getting better. 

If you are in crisis:

• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline a 24−hour crisis center or dial 911
  • 1−800−273−TALK (8255)
• Text the Crisis Text Line The Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis.
  • Text “Home” to 741741 from anywhere in the US to text with a trained Crisis Counselor.
• Contact your mental health provider.
• Get help from your physician or other health care provider.
• Reach out to a friend, family member, or other social support.

The information provided is not for diagnostic use or a substitute for mental health care. A mental health professional can make a proper assessment of your symptoms and help you recover. If you believe you have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder‚ talk with your doctor or a mental health professional immediately.