Grief and Grieving

Cause

Grief and grieving are the natural response to a major loss. But any loss can cause feelings of grief, sometimes when you least expect it.

Grief is typically triggered by a sudden loss caused by a traumatic or unanticipated event. Examples of such events include:

• Death of a loved one.
• Being diagnosed with a chronic or terminal disease.
• Disability from a severe accident or illness.
• Divorce.
• Miscarriage or stillbirth.
• The birth of a child with a birth defect.
• A diagnosis of infertility.
• Learning that your child or teen has developed a behavior problem, learning disability, or substance abuse disorder.
• A move from a familiar home. This is especially hard for older adults.
• Job loss.
• Loss of independence after a serious accident or illness.
• An act of violence or a natural disaster.

Grief can be also triggered by a loss related to a normal, seemingly positive life change. Examples of such life events include:

• Starting school (loss of the comfort of home and familiar surroundings).
• Gaining increasing independence and self-responsibility in the late childhood and teen years (loss of dependence on parents).
• Marriage (loss of independent decision making).
• Birth of a child (loss of independence).
• Retirement (loss of income, work-related identity, and daily social contact).
• Aging and maturing (loss of physical strength and youthful appearance).

You may find that old feelings of grief from past loss can be triggered by current experiences or anniversaries of that loss. This is normal.

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Author:	Jeannette Curtis	Last Updated: November 12, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Sidney Zisook, MD - Psychiatry
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