Loss and grief are a normal part of the human experience and can result from many types of life transitions. These can include the loss of a loved one, the ending of a relationship, loss of a job, diagnosis of a terminal illness, or move to a new home. Spirituality is an integral part of loss and the grieving experience because during these times individuals often raise questions that are spiritual in nature, such as, “Why did this happen to me?” or “Why did God (Spirit) take my loved one?”
Loss can precipitate a grief reaction that may incapacitate an individual, or the event may become a catalyst for personal growth. A healthy response to loss and death is achieved when an individual attains a balance between his or her physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual self.
Spiritual and religious beliefs can help people make sense of their lives, and the spiritual support of others can assist them through the dying experience.
THE GRIEVING PROCESS
All people experience grief differently, depending on their inner resources, support systems, and relationships (Olson & Keegan, 2013; WebMD, 2017). Individuals deal with many emotions during the grieving process. They struggle with spiritual issues and concerns, such as examining the meaning of experience, readjusting to life without the person who has died, and adjusting to the reality of the death (Doka & Davidson, 2001).
A common question is how long does grief last? The answer is it lasts as long as it lasts.