Although grief is an inevitable part of life, the loss of a loved one is always an unexpected and challenging situation to cope with, even when the loss is expected. It stirs up a myriad of complex emotions, and its reality dwarfs everything you’ve heard about grieving. There is no way to prepare to grieve and the process of adapting to a significant loss can vary dramatically from one person to another. It often depends on a person’s background, beliefs, and relationship to what was lost.
As time passes, most come to terms with their loss and learn to cope in their own ways. Others, however, struggle with grief for prolonged periods without improvement, and as a result, their ability to carry on with daily activities is disrupted. Women who experience grief sometimes may feel guilt, depression, and may struggle with their normal daily activities.