Grief & Loss

Loss and grief are difficult but normal parts of life. Losses can include the death of a loved one, the ending of a relationship, the loss of a job, deterioration in one’s health, or any number of unforeseen changes which lead to a feeling of something being missing. In many cases, a loss of identity or sense of self may also occur.The grieving process varies greatly from individual to individual. The loss of a loved one, be they a parent, partner, child, sibling or very close friend can be devastating. It may take many weeks or months to return to a state of equilibrium. If the death was sudden and unexpected, such as accidents, murder or suicide, the grieving period may be even longer.

Loss of health or work status, especially when unexpected, may also result in a prolonged grieving process as the individual attempts to adjust to their new circumstances.

Unfortunately, our society tends to minimize the importance and duration of the grieving process. After a mere few weeks, one often receives the message “OK, now it’s time for you to get on with your life.”

Often it’s not that simple. An individual may be unsure if their grieving process is normal or if they are clinically depressed, or they may feel stuck. Under these circumstances, consulting a counselor or therapist may be a good option.

Counseling can help in moving through the grief process, lessening the risk and likelihood of getting stuck, and working to integrate the loss into a new understanding of one’s life and social network.

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Find more resources at

• Canada Mental Health Association – Emotional Wellness – Grieving

• HelpGuide.org – Coping with Grief and Loss: Support for Grieving and Bereavement – Empowering article on coping with loss, grieving, and bereavement. Helps you understand and cope with many forms of loss including suicide.

• University of Texas Counseling and Mental Health Center – Life After Loss: Dealing with Grief

• Georgia State University – Understanding the Grieving Process