They that mourn

Grief is a universal phenomenon. It most notably occurs following a loss by death, but may occur following any separation. It is a definite psychiatric syndrome with a characteristic onset, course, duration, and termination. The normal period of acute grief is from six to twelve weeks, and the normal grief reaction is completed within two years. The process by which the bereaved comes to accept the separation from the loved one and to readjust to the environment in which the deceased is missing is called the "grief work." The more actively one engages in the grief work, the shorter the period of grief. The physican and the minister should help the bereaved to engage actively in the grief work; the principles of doing this are presented.