And loss generates feelings of grief, according to the January issue of Mayo Clinic Women s HealthSource. Evidence suggests that excessive repression of grief can be harmful, leading to delayed and distorted grief. On the other hand, obsessive grieving can lead to chronic grief and depression. It s important to achieve a balance between avoiding and confronting your loss so that you can come to terms with it gradually. Grief is a process.
Acute grief is time limited, but there s no set time.
The intensity diminishes, but the feelings are likely to recur, often triggered by anniversaries or other occasions that bring the loss to mind. Although losses can be devastating, they can also lead to personal growth. First, give yourself time to grieve. Then, when you re ready, give yourself permission to go on with your life.