Navigating grief

Grief includes the entire emotional process of dealing with a loss. It is normal, and it can last a long time. The process involves many different emotions and expressions. It’s important for you to be patient and kind with yourself if you are working through your grief.

Coping with the death of a loved one

Grief from the loss of a loved one entails large heartbreak. Be honest about how the death affects you. Recognize that some extra support from friends, family and professionals may be appropriate. The hardest part about losing someone is accepting that your loss is permanent.

Anticipatory grief

Anticipatory grief is a feeling of grief before a death and is very common. These feelings do not mean a person is giving up. When the end of life happens is out of anyone’s control. What is in people’s control is how they love and support the patient and those around them. Families should try to realize that medical professionals cannot pinpoint exactly how long someone will live. There is no remedy to this cluelessness and that can feel extremely unsettling.