Grief: Coping with grief

Why is it important to grieve?

The grieving process is the only way to work through your loss. Successfully dealing with your feelings helps you adjust to your loss, eventually stop yearning for what you have lost, and return to your normal daily activities. Grieving a major loss may help you grow emotionally. You may learn something new about yourself. For example, you may learn that you have more inner strength than you thought you had.

You may try to avoid or postpone the grieving process. This might prolong the grieving process or cause you to develop other conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or physical illness.

Test Your Knowledge

1. The grieving process:

1. May teach you something new about yourself.
2. Is the only way to accept a loss.
3. Helps you grow emotionally.

Continue to How can I manage my grief?
Return to Grief: Coping with grief

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