Grief Directory

Grief is a natural response to a loss of something or someone such as a death of a family member or friend, loss of a pet, divorce, retirement, and many other situations. Every person responds to loss differently. Some stages of grief are denial, shock, thoughts of "what if," anger, and finally, acceptance. The grieving process is longer or shorter depending on the person and the circumstance. There is no specific time or way that grief is expressed. Sometimes the healing process is hindered by actions such as avoidance, overworking, or turning to alcohol or drugs. To help with the healing process, time should be given to process and work through the emotions. It may help to find a confidante with whom you can talk things through. Sometimes, a counselor may also be of help. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how grief affects us, the stages of grief, how to cope with loss, and much more.