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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.
Medical Reference
Grief: What’s Normal? What Are the Common Stages?
When you suffer a loss, the emotions can be overwhelming. WebMD explains the common responses to grief and offers ways to cope.
Grief and Depression
Grief and depression is normal when experiencing a loss. Here are signs it may be time to talk to a doctor.
Feeling Grief and Loss While You're a Caregiver
As a caregiver for someone with a long-term or incurable illness, you may start grieving before they pass away. Learn more about how to deal with your emotions.
Autopsies: When and Why Are They Done?
Why is an autopsy needed, and when is it performed?
Features
Caregiver Grief Triggers Mixed Emotions
From the initial diagnosis to a loved one's death and beyond, caregivers are faced with a barrage of conflicting feelings. Here's how to cope with them.
Grief, American Style
As a country, we've had more than our share of sorrow this year. We've also shown the world what we're made of -- maintaining a collective stiff upper lip while following leaders' instructions to go about our normal lives.
Coping With Pet Loss
Pet grief has emerged from the doghouse. There's now a bevy of books, support groups, hotlines, and online forums where you'll find others who will share your pain, or at least listen without being dismissive.
A Breast Cancer Survivor's Grief: Losing Your Doctor
Doctors aren't supposed to die before their patients. When it happened to breast cancer survivor Gina Shaw, she felt scared and bereft. What she learned can help us all.