Grief is the emotional response to the loss of someone, something or some place of emotional significance to the person. Grief is a normal emotion which has impact on people’s physical, mental, behavioural and social states. People who are grieving usually experience fatigue and find that everything takes more effort.

People find that grief comes in waves and often need to spend time crying and reflecting on the loss. Most people have difficulty remembering recent events or discussions and may tell the same story repeatedly for a few months. People may withdraw from others, or alternatively may need specific people close by for reassurance. Grief usually reduces in intensity over six to nine months. Sometimes grief is complicated by mixed feelings about who or what was lost. People who get stuck in grief experience depression.