The loss of a loved one and the likelihood of impending death due to terminal illness are among life’s most traumatic events. When a loved one dies, or a person is made aware of their own impending death, a wide range of emotions may occur, including grief. Such emotions are natural and healthy, even when the death is expected.

Grief can affect people in many different ways, depending on the circumstances surrounding the death or illness. When a death is expected, the grief may not be as overwhelming as that of a sudden loss because the patient, family members and other loved ones have more time to come to terms with the loss. They may also be able to view death as an end to the patient’s suffering.

People may feel numb when initially learning of the death of a loved one. Other emotions include denial, confusion, shock, sadness, yearning, anger, despair and guilt.

Other initial and ongoing reactions that can be part of the grieving process include sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating, headache, nausea, digestive problems, fatigue or avoiding people or places that remind one of the deceased.

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding death, the process of grieving  generally takes time. It can be emotionally and physically draining, and because one may never fully recover after the loss of a loved one, feelings such as sadness and yearning may linger in some ways for years.

However, there is much that can be done to cope with death. The most important thing is not to ignore one’s feelings and to seek support and understanding from other relatives and friends. Avoiding the grieving process, such as by not thinking about it, is not an effective coping mechanism. It may only make things worse in the long run. In such cases, it can lead to emotional disorders such as major depression, substance abuse or dependence, and suicidal ideation. Physical ailments associated with prolonged grief include a weakened immune system and heart disease.