Grief & Loss

Grief is a versatile response to loss. Although conservatively focused on the emotional response to loss, it also has cognitive, physical, behavioral, social and rational dimensions. Common to human experience is the death of a loved one, whether it is a friend, family, or other close buddy. While the conditions are habitually used interchangeably, bereavement often refers to the state of loss, and grief to the reaction to loss. Losses can range from loss of employment, pets, position, a sense of safety, order or possessions to the loss of the people nearest to us. Our answer to loss is wide-ranging and researchers have moved away from conservative views of grief to one that considers the wide variety of responses that are prejudiced by personality, culture, family and spiritual and spiritual beliefs and practices.