Bereavement is the period of grief and mourning after a loss, particularly following the death of a loved one. It encompasses the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses people experience when they lose someone they care about.
Key Points:
- Stages or Phases: Although widely referenced, Kübler-Ross’s “5 Stages of Grief” (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance) are not a strict formula—people grieve in different ways and orders.
- Symptoms: Sadness, guilt, anger, insomnia, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating.
- Normal vs. Complicated Grief: Most people adjust over time, but some experience prolonged or complicated grief requiring professional support.
- Support: Psychotherapy, support groups, rituals (funerals, memorials), and self-care can aid in the healing process.
