What to know about grief

People seldom know what to expect when they grieve. The grieving process has no timeframe and differs from person to person.

Here are some things to keep in mind while grieving:

Grief takes time. Grief is a process. It is as unique as your fingerprint. Everyone grieves differently. The process has no timeline.

Grieving can have intense pain. You may experience a wide range of emotions as part of the grief journey. This includes sadness, confusion, anger, guilt, fear, intense pain, and even relief. This is how grief works.

Welcome the tears. Tears will bring healing. Crying is a natural outlet of grief. It is okay to cry when a loved one dies, whether you are alone or with others.

Strength in grieving process. Strength and grief fit together. We must be strong to handle grief. In the end, grief brings strengths we never knew we had. Be tolerant of physical and emotional limits. Respect what your body and mind are telling you. Don’t allow others to push you into doing things you don’t feel ready to do

Expect grief bursts. Sometimes, out of nowhere, a powerful burst of sadness can be triggered by hearing a song, looking at a picture, or recalling a memory. This is a normal and natural part of grief

Treasure your memories. Memories are one of the best legacies that exist after the death of a loved one. You will always remember. Nothing will ever take away your memories.

Healing. Remember, grief is a process, not an event. The death of a loved one changes your life forever. It is okay to share your story and memories with others. This will help you heal.

Depression is one of the five stages of grief. The loss of a loved one is a very depressing situation. This is a normal and appropriate response. However, if you are experiencing clinical depression — such as crying all the time, can’t get out of bed, or can’t complete daily functions of living — please see a behavioral health professional.