Test Your Knowledge

Grief is a healthy and necessary process. It is not healthy to avoid grief or to deny a loss for a long period of the time. Avoidance of grief may lead to serious physical or emotional problems later in life.

Most grieving people do not need psychological or psychiatric treatment. Typically, medications, such as antidepressants, are required only when grief has progressed into major depression. When professional help is sought for grief, interpersonal therapy is among the most commonly used forms of psychotherapy. This therapy focuses on grief, assessment of the relationship with the deceased, identifying and reviewing symptoms, and encouraging satisfying relationships and activities. Group therapy can also be helpful. It allows grieving people to meet and discuss their feelings with others who are grieving. Support groups, both in-person and on the Internet, can help grieving people, especially those who wish to receive more specialized support, such as parents who have lost a child.

The most important aspect for grieving people is learning to cope with their loss. People who are grieving may need to keep certain coping tips in mind, including:

• Avoid isolation. It is important for grieving people to talk to others and explain how they are feeling. They must not be afraid to ask for support.
  
  
• Take care of physical health. People who are grieving still need to see a physician when feeling unwell. Most physical complications of grief can be eased by eating properly, exercising and getting plenty of rest.
  
  
• Postpone major decisions when possible. Grief may interfere with judgment. Major decisions may need to be postponed.

Individuals can take certain steps to help others cope with grief, including:

• Listen. People who are grieving need to share their thoughts and feelings with others.
  
  
• Do not offer false comfort. Comments such as “He’s in a better place now” or “At least she’s not suffering anymore” often do not help and may make the grieving person feel even worse.
  
  
• Offer practical help. Grieving individuals may benefit from assistance with household chores or errands.

Tips to help children cope with grief include:

• Answer questions simply and honestly. Children’s questions should be answered truthfully in terms the children can understand. Adults who try to protect children from the truth about death may actually do more harm.
  
  
• Maintain regular routines as often as possible. Children need structure and routine. Though a loss may necessitate a change in structure, maintaining routines as much as possible can help children come to terms with the loss.

Parents and caregivers may also enroll children in programs, such as special day camps, which are designed to teach children about grief and help them learn to accept and cope with their loss.