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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.

woman in gold dress leaning on doorframe
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Published on: 16 Dec 2020
  • 6 minute read

What Is Denial and Is It an Effective Coping Mechanism?

Published on: 16 Dec 2020
  • Written byJill Gallagher
  • Dec 16, 2020
Denial is a natural psychological coping mechanism, and it’s completely normal, especially in times of great stress or…
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Published on: 24 Nov 2020
  • 6 minute read

Do the Holidays Have to Be Horrible This Year?

Published on: 24 Nov 2020
  • Written byClare Wiley
  • Nov 24, 2020
Whether it’s having to listen to your relatives’ questionable political rants or grimacing your way through an overcooked…
tear rolling down woman's face
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Published on: 25 Sep 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • 7 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD

Everything To Know About Crying

Published on: 25 Sep 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • Written byTamar Sidi
  • Sep 25, 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
Humans are the only animals to cry tears and crying serves as an important indication to ourselves and…
women looking down in studio
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Published on: 26 Aug 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
  • 6 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R

The Grief of Everything

Published on: 26 Aug 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
  • Written byClare Wiley
  • Aug 26, 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
Over the past six months, you’ve probably felt an uncomfortable mix of anxiety, sadness, and fear. You’ve perhaps…
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Published on: 22 Aug 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • 7 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD

What Is Grief Counseling and How Does It Help?

Published on: 22 Aug 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • Written byMarris Adikwu
  • Aug 22, 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
Although grief is an inevitable part of life, the loss of a loved one is always an unexpected…
anticipatory-grief
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Published on: 28 Apr 2020
  • 4 minute read

What Anticipatory Grief Looks Like During COVID-19

Published on: 28 Apr 2020
  • Written byJill E. Daino, LCSW-R
  • Apr 28, 2020
For many of us, the initial stay-at-home orders have now been extended for weeks and we’re grappling with…
Kobe_Bryant_Tragedy
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Published on: 31 Jan 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW
  • 4 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW

Complicated Grief: Why We Mourn People We’ve Never Met

Published on: 31 Jan 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW
  • Written byJill E. Daino, LCSW-R
  • Jan 31, 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW
When a public tragedy happens, its impact can be felt in a variety of ways. Often these effects…
stages of grief illustration
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Published on: 20 Jan 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • 11 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD

Surfing the Waves of Grief: The Mourning Process Without a Road Map

Published on: 20 Jan 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • Written byKim Liao
  • Jan 20, 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
On my wedding day, I woke up at 4am and couldn’t get back to sleep. I crept out…
holiday after hardship
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Published on: 23 Dec 2019
  • 6 minute read

First Holiday After A Hardship Or Loss

Published on: 23 Dec 2019
  • Written byJulia Weiss
  • Dec 23, 2019
Updated December 16, 2020 This year has been an especially difficult one. With Covid-19 taking upward of 250,000…
baby shoes
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Published on: 15 Oct 2019
  • 5 minute read

The Unspoken Grief of Pregnancy and Infant Loss

Published on: 15 Oct 2019
  • Written byWendy Wisner
  • Oct 15, 2019
Losing a baby — either during pregnancy or after birth — is one of the most profoundly painful…

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