Grief Nugget

Regarding the terms bereavement, grief, and mourning, these are often used interchangeably, leading to unreliable communication. Bereavement refers to the experience of losing someone close, while grief is the reaction to bereavement, encompassing thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and physiological responses that vary in pattern and intensity over time. Acute grief is the initial response, characterized by a mix of separation and traumatic distress, which eventually evolves into integrated grief that is permanent. In contrast, mourning is the process of coping with the lasting consequences of loss and integrating those memories into one’s life, allowing for the ability to experience joy and satisfaction over time.

Shear, M. K. (2012). Getting straight about grief. Depression & Anxiety, 29(6), 461-464. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1002/da.21963