Grief: Losing a Loved One

Topic Overview

The loss of someone special translates into many separate losses in a person's life. Multiple losses occur when a person loses:

• A partner. Loss of a partner usually also means the loss of a constant companion. Loss of a partner can also cause financial hardship, and sometimes a loss of standing or recognition within the community. It is especially important to stay connected with friends and family when grieving the loss of a partner.
• A child. Losing a child may cause parents to lose their sense of purpose, hope for the future, and connection to other people. For example, they may lose their connection to the parents of their child's friends. Parents also lose a major joy in their lives. If parents grieve a miscarriage or child's death differently, they can become more distant from each another or argue more. Counseling is often needed to help couples work through their grief together.
• A parent. Losing a parent can interfere with a child's ability to be truly connected to another person. Like adults, different children grieve in different ways. But all children need to know that they have friends and family they can count on to be with, if not to talk to.

As you gradually adjust to living without a beloved person, sort out the various losses and changes you've experienced, and slowly make adjustments that can enrich and improve your daily life.