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Majority of grievers adjust
and adapt to their loss
The vast majority of people who lose a loved one to
death deal with their grief in healthy ways and, after a
period of time, adapt and adjust very well. Sidney
Zisook, MD and Katherine Shear, MD., both psychiatrists,
have studied grief and loss. They offer this hopeful
insight to those currently facing a time of bereavement:
"There is no evidence that uncomplicated grief requires
formal treatment or professional intervention. For most
bereaved individuals, the arduous journey through grief
will ultimately culminate in an acceptable level of
adjustment to a life without their loved one. Thus, most
bereaved individuals do fine without treatment."
Certainly, if someone struggling with grief seeks help,
they should have access to empathic support and
information that validates that their response is typical
after a loss. When support, reassurance, and
information generally provided by family, friends, and,
sometimes, clergy is not available or sufficient, mutual
support groups may help fill the gap. Support groups
can be particularly helpful after traumatic losses, such
as the death of a child, a death after suicide or deaths
from other "unnatural" causes. See our link to the Pulaski Area Bereavement Group (above right).
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Even though a beloved partner has died, there is still life to be experienced and lived. Here are suggestions from widows and widowers for rebuilding life after loss:
Helen Keller 
