Grief is defined as the emotional response to loss.
So often, we focus on grief as the result of death, when in actuality, grief comes in many forms and for many reasons.
Grief can be from the death of a loved one, but also from loss outside of death. This could be the loss of a relationship, the loss of a job that fulfilled you, the loss of safety and security, or the loss of an anticipated future.
Loss holds many emotions. Anger, sadness, guilt and despair are common, but so too are gratitude, relief and hope.
Grief is a fluid process, flowing through periods of coping and acceptance, as well as periods where the emotions of grief overshadow the good things in our lives.
How we respond to loss and grief are individual to each of us, no one person grieves the exact same way as another.
However, grief can bring us together as a family, a community and as a society. It is universal and we all feel it at one time or another.
How do we cope with grief and loss? By acknowledging and being genuine to our feelings, and ourselves.
We cope by seeking support with others and coming together as human beings who are sharing an experience. We cope by remembering and honoring what has been lost. Lastly, we cope by having hope for the future.
To grieve is to find a way to live through what we have lost and find the path to moving forward.
JFS Services can be reached at 414-390-5800 or email clinic@jfsmilw.org.
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Support group
The Jewish Family Services Grief Support Group is facilitated by Liz Popowski. Are you or someone that you know experiencing sadness, depression or grief from a personal loss? Held at Jewish Family Services 1300 N. Jackson St., Milwaukee. For information contact: Kat Blackwell at 414-225-1374 or email kblackwell@jfsmilw.org.
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