Definition:

Grief occurs in response to the loss of someone or something. The loss may involve a loved one, a job, or possibly a role (student entering the workplace or employee entering retirement). Anyone can experience grief and loss. It can be sudden or expected; however, individuals are unique in how they experience this event. Grief, itself, is a normal and natural response to loss. There are a variety of ways that individuals respond to loss. Some are healthy coping mechanisms and some may hinder the grieving process. It is important to realize that acknowledging the grief promotes the healing process. Time and support facilitate the grieving process, allowing an opportunity to appropriately mourn this loss.

Symptoms:

* Significant attention should be given to symptoms lasting longer than 2 months from onset.

• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• Significant appetite change
• Persistent guilt
• Recurrent thoughts of own death
• Preoccupation with worthlessness
• Daily functional impairment
• Outbursts of anger
• Isolation/Depressive Symptoms
• Hypervigilance - "Being on edge"

Self-Assessments:

Beck Depression Inventory, Burns Anxiety Inventory, Zung Depression Scale (available at our office) - Self Assessment

Treatment Options:

Individual counseling or psychotherapy.
Grief Support Group (Member directed).
Group Counseling (Counselor directed).

Links:

• OSF Grief Webpage
• TONS of great information about the cycle of grief
• Interfaith website regarding grief & loss
• Several grief topics (i.e. military, elderly, children)
• Encouragement for those who have lost a pet
• Article on pregnancy loss
• Assistance during the process of grief and loss