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Loss, Grief, and Bereavement (PDQ®)     
Last Modified: 06/19/2006
Patient Version
Phases of Grief

The process of bereavement may be described as having 4 phases:

  1. Shock and numbness: Family members find it difficult to believe the death; they feel stunned and numb.
  2. Yearning and searching: Survivors experience separation anxiety and cannot accept the reality of the loss. They try to find and bring back the lost person and feel ongoing frustration and disappointment when this is not possible.
  3. Disorganization and despair: Family members feel depressed and find it difficult to plan for the future. They are easily distracted and have difficulty concentrating and focusing.
  4. Reorganization.


Glossary Terms

bereavement (beh-REEV-ment)
A state of sadness, grief, and mourning after the loss of a loved one.