We encounter many painful losses throughout our lifetime - the death of a family member or friend, illness and injury, the loss of a job or a dream.
Losses shape our lives.
The loss for which most of us are least prepared is the death of someone we love. The most common response to loss is grief, a complex, evolutionary, and frightening experience. Grief is a natural reaction to any significant change. Oftentimes, when ignored or denied, grief can harm us in dozens of ways. Scientific research indicates that grief can make people more susceptible to illness and increase blood pressure and heart rate.