Individuals who experience chronic grief usually become depressed, anxious, and may suffer various physical symptoms from a weak immune system to high blood pressure. Chronic grief is common in people who delay the bereavement process. Grieving the loss of someone who has committed suicide can also be especially difficult. It is not uncommon for the bereaved to feel guilt, shame and denial. It can also destroy an individual s willingness to trust others and form meaningful relationships.
All cultures have various rituals to mourn the passing of a loved one.
Mourning customs help to confirm social bonds, reorder personal relationships and establish a new identity for the bereaved. Within our society, people die in hospitals or away from their families. These changes to the social fabric have made it difficult for some to understand death, see it as a natural part of life and come to terms with the passing of a loved one. That is why friends and social groups are especially important for helping the bereaved adjust to their loss and move on with their life. People who have experienced a loss need sympathetic company, reassurance and a willingness for others to listen.