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Grief, Bereavement, and Coping With Loss (PDQ®)

Patient Version
Last Modified: 09/23/2011

Bereavement and Grief

Key Points for This Section


Bereavement is the period of sadness after losing a loved one through death.

Grief and mourning occur during the period of bereavement. Grief and mourning are closely related. Mourning is the way we show grief in public. The way people mourn is affected by beliefs, religious practices, and cultural customs. People who are grieving are sometimes described as bereaved.

Grief is the normal process of reacting to the loss.

Grief is the emotional response to the loss of a loved one. Common grief reactions include the following:

  • Feeling emotionally numb.
  • Feeling unable to believe the loss occurred.
  • Feeling anxiety from the distress of being separated from the loved one.
  • Mourning along with depression.
  • A feeling of acceptance.


Glossary Terms

anxiety (ang-ZY-eh-tee)
Feelings of fear, dread, and uneasiness that may occur as a reaction to stress. A person with anxiety may sweat, feel restless and tense, and have a rapid heart beat. Extreme anxiety that happens often over time may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
bereavement (beh-REEV-ment)
A state of sadness, grief, and mourning after the loss of a loved one.
depression (dee-PREH-shun)
A mental condition marked by ongoing feelings of sadness, despair, loss of energy, and difficulty dealing with normal daily life. Other symptoms of depression include feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, loss of pleasure in activities, changes in eating or sleeping habits, and thoughts of death or suicide. Depression can affect anyone, and can be successfully treated. Depression affects 15-25% of cancer patients.
distress (dih-STRESS)
Extreme mental or physical pain or suffering.
grief (greef)
The normal response to a major loss, such as the death of a loved one. Grief may also be felt by a person with a serious, long-term illness or with a terminal illness. It may include feelings of great sadness, anger, guilt, and despair. Physical problems, such as not being able to sleep and changes in appetite, may also be part of grief.