What is Grief?

Grief is defined as the response to loss, particularly to the loss of someone or something that has died, to which a bond or affection was formed.

Our grief is as unique as we are as individuals. Often people grieve in different ways and at different speeds. It is important to honor our feelings as individuals and not compare our grief to others, but to be compassionate and supportive of our grief journey and others who may be grieving.  Grief is how you think and feel about death, both emotionally and physically.

Sometimes people think of grief as sadness. Grief is much more than that. Grief is often a combination of feelings such as shock, confusion, anxiety, anger, regret, and sadness. Experiencing any of these feelings, physical symptoms, or unexpected behaviors is a common part of the grief journey. This mixture of emotions can change from minute to minute or from day to day.

Services available to our patients, families, and the community through our Bereavement Program include:

• Anticipatory grief support
• One-on-one support
• Grief support in a group setting
• Mailings
• Telephone calls

Our Hospice Program includes bereavement support for families of the patient for 13 months following their death.

We also hold special events for the public, including our grief camp for children, Camp Encourage, as well as our annual A Time of Remembrance holiday ceremony. 

View our May I Go booklet