Test Your Knowledge

Any major loss can cause a grief reaction. Common losses that cause grief include:

• Death of a loved one. Grieving for the death of a loved one is a natural reaction, even when the death was anticipated (e.g., elderly parent or grandparent). The death of a child may instill a sense of injustice due to lost potential and the concept that children are not supposed to die. The death of a spouse is traumatic due to the loss of a life partner. This can be even worse in the elderly, whose grief may be complicated by the death of close friends. However, this is not always the case as many elderly individuals report accepting death as a normal part of life and finding comfort in the memories of their loved one.
  
  Death by suicide can be particularly difficult. Guilt, anger and shame may be much worse and the stigma of suicide may lead to isolation and suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide) among some survivors. Other traumatic deaths, such as by homicide or natural disaster, can also worsen grief.
  
  
• Miscarriage, stillbirth and infertility. Though not often recognized as major losses, miscarriages and stillbirth can elicit a full grief reaction among the parents. Couples undergoing treatment for infertility may experience grief after failed attempts to achieve a pregnancy.
  
  
• Pet loss. Many people have their first experience of grief with the death of a beloved pet.
  
  
• Major lifestyle change. Major life changes, such as divorce, the loss of a home or possessions, or loss of a career or ability to pursue a career (e.g., a physical injury putting an end to an athletic career) may cause grief.
  
  
• Anticipation of a loss, such as the diagnosis of a terminal illness in a loved one, can also cause grief.