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Grief

Grief is a normal and understandable emotional reaction to loss. But grief is more than just an emotion — it’s a process we go through after a loss. Many of us are familiar with the “5 stages of grief” (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance), but what you might not know is that not everyone experiences the stages in that order, nor does everyone experience each stage distinctly.

Still, it’s helpful to know that grief must be allowed to unfold and that being patient with the process can help. Many of us are focused on speeding things up, and “getting over” our losses, but grieving takes time, and pushing feelings aside can only make things worse.

Most instances of grief can be treated with time, some TLC from loved ones, along with a good counselor or therapist to listen and advise. If you feel “stuck” in a cycle of grief, you may have developed persistent complex bereavement disorder, which is when grief is long-lasting, severe, and debilitating. Therapy, medication, or both are helpful and effective for this as well.

Read More
Published on: 24 Feb 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC
  • 8 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC

How to Cope with Miscarriage

Published on: 24 Feb 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC
  • Written byCynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • Feb 24, 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC
Losing a pregnancy is a traumatic and heartbreaking experience, and despite miscarriage being more common than many people…
How Long Does Grief Last
Read More
Published on: 21 Feb 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • 7 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD

How Long Does Grief Last?

Published on: 21 Feb 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • Written byMinkyung Chung, MS, LMHC
  • Feb 21, 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
Grief is a complex process and emotion that affects us all in different ways. Understanding what to expect…
Best Books About Grief
Read More
Published on: 21 Feb 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
  • 6 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R

15 Best Books About Grief [Therapist-Recommended]

Published on: 21 Feb 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
  • Written byMeaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
  • Feb 21, 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
The grieving process is complicated because grief works in different ways. No two people experience it the same…
Delayed Grief
Read More
Published on: 21 Feb 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Bisma Anwar, LMHC
  • 6 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Bisma Anwar, LMHC

Delayed Grief: When Grief Shows Up Later

Published on: 21 Feb 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Bisma Anwar, LMHC
  • Written byKarmen Smith LCSW, DD 
  • Feb 21, 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Bisma Anwar, LMHC
Whether it’s losing a parent, losing a spouse, or losing a child, grief is a necessary process for…
How to Deal With Grieving the Loss of a Child
Read More
Published on: 21 Feb 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
  • 9 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C

How to Deal with Grieving the Loss of a Child

Published on: 21 Feb 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
  • Written byReshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW
  • Feb 21, 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
Losing a child is one of the most devastating things anyone can go through in life, up there…
How to Deal With Grieving the Loss of a Parent
Read More
Published on: 21 Feb 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW
  • 6 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW

How to Deal with Grieving the Loss of a Parent

Published on: 21 Feb 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW
  • Written byMeaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
  • Feb 21, 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW
Losing a parent is one of the most challenging experiences we will ever go through. It’s an emotionally…
How to Deal With Grieving the Loss of a Spouse
Read More
Published on: 21 Feb 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Olga Molina, D.S.W., LCSW
  • 6 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Olga Molina, D.S.W., LCSW

How to Deal with Grieving the Loss of a Spouse

Published on: 21 Feb 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Olga Molina, D.S.W., LCSW
  • Written byBisma Anwar, LMHC
  • Feb 21, 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Olga Molina, D.S.W., LCSW
The death of a spouse is one of life’s most difficult and painful experiences. Losing a spouse can…
sad woman crying
Read More
Published on: 24 Aug 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
  • 6 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC

How to Deal with Grieving the Loss of a Pet

Published on: 24 Aug 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
  • Written byKarmen Smith LCSW, DD 
  • Aug 24, 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
Losing a pet is something very difficult we can go through in life. For many of us, it’s…
Read More
Published on: 23 Aug 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
  • 7 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C

Anticipatory Grief: Signs, Causes, & Coping Tips

Published on: 23 Aug 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
  • Written byBisma Anwar, LMHC
  • Aug 23, 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
Whether it is disenfranchised grief, prolonged grief disorder, or even pet grief, everyone experiences grief at some point…
woman with tissue blowing her nose
Read More
Published on: 18 Aug 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • 9 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S

Disenfranchised Grief: Signs, Causes, & Coping Tips

Published on: 18 Aug 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • Written byElizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
  • Aug 18, 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
Everyone will experience grief at some point during life. It can be after the death of a friend…

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  • How to Cope with Miscarriage
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