When we hear the words grief and loss, we usually associate them with the death of someone important to us. However, loss can occur in many forms. Some examples include the loss of a beloved pet, moving away from your home, breaking up with your boyfriend or girlfriend, and losing your job. No matter what the form is, whenever we suffer the loss of someone or something we love, we normally experience grief.

 

     While grief is a normal reaction to loss, there are a variety of ways you can respond. Some of them are healthy coping mechanisms, while others may only hinder the grieving process. You must acknowledge your grief in order to facilitate the healing process and to help yourself appropriately mourn.

     Grief is a very personal issue. No two people grieve in the same manner or in the same amount of time, nor will they have the same reaction to loss. However, to move through the grief process, everyone must experience grief's different stages. These stages are denial, bargaining, depression, anger and finally acceptance.