Medically Reviewed

Chrysoula I. Liakou

MD, PhD, Internal Medicine Specialist and
Cancer Immunology Researcher.

What Is Grief?

Grief is the deep sadness and emotional pain we feel after losing someone or something important to us. While many people think of grief as the feeling that comes after a loved one passes away, grief can also come from other types of loss. This could include losing a friend, a pet, a home, a job, or even the dreams and goals we had for ourselves. Any big change that affects our sense of security or our usual way of life can lead to grief.

Grief is a unique experience for each person. Some people might feel sadness, while others feel anger, loneliness, or even guilt. Grief might show up as a mix of feelings that come and go. For some, it might feel like a storm of emotions that takes over, while for others, it might be a quiet, constant sadness. No two people grieve the same way, and there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to feel.

Some people may even grieve the life they once imagined for themselves, especially if they’re dealing with a serious illness or life-changing news. The grieving process is about finding a way to live with this loss. Over time, people often learn to cope with grief in ways that allow them to heal. Even though the feelings of loss may never fully go away, the pain often becomes easier to manage with time and support.

Grief Symptoms

Grief is a powerful and deeply personal experience that can affect people differently.

Emotional Symptoms:

Waves of sadness, shock, or numbness
Feelings of anger or guilt
Yearning for what has been lost
Confusion or a sense of helplessness
Emotions that come and go unpredictably
Feeling disconnected or as if routines feel strange

Physical Symptoms:

Fatigue and low energy
Headaches and muscle weakness
Tightness in the chest or throat
Nausea or dizziness
Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little)

Behavioural and Cognitive Symptoms:

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Trouble remembering daily tasks
Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
Feeling detached from the world around them

Grief Stages

The stages of grief help explain common emotions people may feel after a loss. While not everyone experiences all of these stages, and they don’t always follow a specific order, they offer insight into the grieving process. Here are the main stages:

Denial: Difficulty accepting the reality of the loss. A person might feel numb or in disbelief, not fully acknowledging the impact of what happened.
Anger: Feelings of frustration or unfairness may surface. This anger might be directed at others, oneself, the situation or a higher power.
Bargaining: Thoughts of “what-if” or “if only” may arise, as people imagine ways they could change the past or make deals to reverse the loss or lessen the pain.
Depression: A stage of deep sadness where a person may feel withdrawn or empty. They might lose interest in daily activities as they process the reality of the loss.
Acceptance: The person begins to understand that the loss is permanent. While sadness may remain, they adjust to life without the person or thing they lost.

Additional stages include:

Shock: An initial feeling of numbness or disbelief, often experienced right after a sudden loss.
Testing: A stage where individuals seek new ways to live with their grief, exploring different coping methods.

These stages aren’t strict rules but general feelings people may go through. Grief is unique for everyone, and people might revisit certain stages or experience them in different ways as they work through their emotions.

Grief Types

Grief can look very different from person to person, and several types describe the unique ways people experience it. Here are some of the most commonly recognised types of grief:

Anticipatory Grief: This grief begins before a loss, like when a loved one has a terminal illness. It allows for emotional preparation but can also make it harder to focus on the time left with the person.
Abbreviated Grief: In this type, the grieving process is brief, often because emotions were processed beforehand. Moving through grief quickly doesn’t lessen the importance of the loss; everyone’s timeline is unique.
Delayed Grief: Emotions appear later, sometimes after practical matters are settled. The delay can happen due to shock or a need to stay focused, but it can feel intense and unexpected when it hits.
Inhibited Grief: This occurs when grief is suppressed, often unknowingly. Unprocessed emotions might show up as physical symptoms like headaches, upset stomach, or anxiety, as the body tries to cope.
Cumulative Grief: This type happens when someone experiences multiple losses at once or in a short period. The added losses make grief feel overwhelming, as each loss builds on the others.
Collective Grief: This grief is felt by a community or society after large events like natural disasters or tragedies. It’s a shared sadness for what was lost and a longing for the normal life that was changed.

Grief Management

Grieving is a natural response to loss, and managing it can take time and patience.
Maintain regular sleep and healthy eating habits.
To soothe the mind and body, engage in simple activities like walking, journaling, or yoga.
Follow a small routine to feel more grounded and in control.
Talk to friends, family, or support groups to express emotions and feel connected.
Share your story with those who understand to help process your feelings.
If grief feels overwhelming or lasts a long time, consider speaking with a grief counsellor or therapist.
Therapy provides a safe space to explore emotions, memories, and ways to move forward.

Support a Grieving Loved One

Listen without judgment and offer gentle companionship.
Help with small tasks like running errands or cooking a meal.
Simply being present can make a big difference.

Grief is unique for everyone, but with patience, support, and small steps forward, healing is possible.

Get Grief Treatment Online With Mobi Doctor

Coping with grief can be challenging, but Mobi Doctor is here to help. Our online grief treatment lets you talk to a caring professional from the comfort of your home. You’ll have the support you need to manage feelings of sadness, loss, or loneliness with guidance from trained professionals. Sessions are flexible, so you can schedule them at times that work best for you. With Mobi Doctor, you don’t have to go through grief alone. Get support whenever you need it, and start taking steps toward healing at your own pace.

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Medically Reviewed

Chrysoula I. Liakou

What Is Grief?