What It Is

While the terms are often used interchangeably, bereavement usually refers to the state of loss, and grief as the reaction to loss. Bereavement, while a normal part of life for us all, carries a degree of risk when limited support is available.

Grief is a journey through emotions, thoughts, physical experiences and interactions, both personal and interpersonal. Although conventionally focused on the emotional response to loss, it also has physical, behavioural and social dimensions.

The grief journey for survivors can be long and painful. From the beginning is important to remember that the end point of this journey is recovery.