What can cause grief?
The death of a parent, spouse or child are the most common causes of grief, but it may happen as a result of other things. The breakdown of a marriage, retirement, loss of a job or the diagnosis of a serious illness can all result in profound grief. Some older people grieve over their lost youth and occasionally, after operations such as a hysterectomy, women grieve over their lost fertility. Children may experience profound grief over the death of a pet, or losing a favourite toy. Stages in the grief process Grief is a very complex process, which produces a wide range of differing emotions. These can be hard to understand and frightening. Although each person will experience grief in his or her own personal way, most people go through similar stages. Understanding these stages, and recognising them, can help friends and relatives give the support necessary for those affected. The grief reaction can be seen as a 4-part process: • denial; • anger; • sadness; and • acceptance. Denial Den
