Chapter 1: An introduction to grief
Everyone grieves in their own way
Right after she died, I remember being at a red light and thinking, “How is it that the streetlights are working, and the restaurants are open? Everything just needs to stop for a while.
Not everyone expresses their grief in
the same way. Even those experiencing the same loss may grieve differently.
They might be overcome by sorrow or anger; talk openly or close down; get
“busy”; or avoid people altogether. You may feel alone in your grief if others
appear to have different responses to the loss.
What affects your grief
Many factors may impact your grief. Click on the arrows below for some examples.
Your relationship with the person who died.
How the person died.
Your values and beliefs.
Your supports.
How you usually cope with distress, and other losses you’ve experienced.
What else is happening in your life, such as a new job; moving; separation or divorce; your physical and mental well-being; or financial struggles.
