Life is full of losses, large or small, which may bring an experience of grief. People have their own individual reaction and response to grief. Yet grief is a universal human experience. Grief is part of life. Understanding the unique ways in which people experience grief can be helpful for both grieving people and those supporting them.

Experiences which lead to loss and grief include:

• Death
• Separation, divorce, relationship breakdown
• Loss of family unit, children leaving home
• Adoption/Relinquishment of Children
• Unemployment, retrenchment, retirement
• Loss of role, status
• Loss of health, amputation, removal of an organ
• Loss of homeland, culture, language
• Loss of a pet
• Loss of possessions, burglary, car theft
• Loss of freedom
• Disability
• Loss of youth, body image
• Infertility, stillbirth, miscarriage, abortion
• Missing person
• Loss of dreams, hopes, expectations
• Caring for someone with a chronic or life threatening disease
• Moving house, state, country

Grief has no set pattern or order, the depth and duration of each grief experience is different for everyone. Yet those who experience grief share common reactions and responses. The impact and effects of grief are often misunderstood and unacknowledged. An experience of grief is normal, yet one which often requires support and assistance. Grief is a health issue because unresolved grief affects people's physical and mental health and well being and if this is not addressed it often leads to acute and chronic illness.

Living with grief is a life long process of incorporating our experiences into our lives. Grief is a part of life.