Grief is the term used to describe the many intense and, sometimes confusing, emotions felt by a person who experiences a loss. Although often associated with the death of a loved one, a person can suffer grief and go through a period of mourning after any significant setback, including a job loss, death of a beloved pet, the end of a marriage or other meaningful relationship, and even the loss of a home.
The one universal trigger for grief is loss. Regardless of what that exact loss may be, it is vital that the person suffering from grief, and those who care for them, take their feelings seriously. Many people will recover from loss on their own, but therapy is beneficial for those who don't. While everyone reacts to and recovers from death and loss personally, there are some common symptoms and recovery options.