Losing someone or something you love or care deeply about is painful. You may experience all kinds of difficult emotions and it may feel like the pain and sadness you're experiencing will never let up. These are normal reactions to a significant loss. There is no right or wrong way to grieve; however, there are healthy ways to cope with the pain. In time, you can renew you and move forward.

What is grief?

Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s the emotional suffering you feel when something or someone you love is taken away. The more significant the loss, the more intense the grief will be. You may associate grief with the death of a loved one, but any loss can cause grief, including:

• Divorce or relationship breakup

• Loss of health

• Losing a job

• Loss of financial stability

• A miscarriage

• Retirement

• Death of a pet

• Loss of a cherished dream

• A loved one’s serious illness

• Loss of a friendship

• Loss of safety after a trauma

• Selling the family home

The more significant the loss, the more intense the grief. However, even subtle losses can lead to grief. For example, you might experience grief after moving away from home, graduating from college, changing jobs, selling your family home, or retiring from a career you loved.