Grief is an emotional response to an intensely distressing situation or prolonged suffering experienced by significant loss or absence of support. It is complex and multifaceted, and one must learn how to navigate the non-linear journey through strong, and perhaps new, emotions, behaviours and thoughts that arise. There are many reasons to feel grief and being able to identify why you are feeling this way is imperative to learning how to navigate it.

Loss can be deeply profound and impactful, affecting various aspects of our lives in significant ways such as difficultly coping with daily life, the loss of financial security or a change in role as a caregiver, employee, or other significant social roles. Grief that is not openly acknowledged, publicly mourned, or socially supported because the loss can lead to isolation and a difficulty processing emotions. If the way one expresses grief is not considered "valid" by society or not be supported by others, it can to feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation. 

Learning how to support one’s own grief and allow one’s personal expression of grief to flow naturally, is a necessity for moving through life more peacefully.