Grief is universal and, at the same time, unique for each of us.
While all humans belong to a universal community of individuals who have experienced grief, no two losses are alike. Responses to a significant loss can be impacted by many factors. Some factors include the nature of the loss (whether sudden or predictable), the timing and circumstances of the loss, culture (which shapes how we make sense of the loss and cope), and available sources of support (such as loved ones and our community).
Different examples of losses include:
Grief is a process of healing.
Some have used the metaphor of the ocean to describe their experience with healing after loss.
Waves of the ocean ebb and flow, and much like emotions of grief, the magnitude of the waves is unpredictable.
Sometimes the water is calm and contributes to a sense of acceptance and peace, and at other times large crashing waves contribute to feeling overwhelmed and in despair.
The waves of the ocean are endless in number and impossible to stop.
Through personal growth, navigating the waves is possible.
Counseling can help you develop ways to ride the waves.
Grief presents differently in individuals but there are some common emotional, physical, cognitive, behavioral, and spiritual reactions that many experience due to loss.