GRIEF:

UNCOVER THE FACTS.

"GRIEF IS NOT A DISORDER, A DISEASE OR SIGN OF WEAKNESS. IT IS AN EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL NECESSITY, THE PRICE YOU PAY FOR LOVE. THE ONLY CURE FOR GRIEF IS TO GRIEVE."
-EARL GROLLMAN

Understanding grief as a process is very essential for anyone who has lost a loved one or in the process of losing a loved one.

Read on to some common myths that are largely misunderstood. Knowing the facts will provide yourself with effective support as well as a guard for your own emotional well being.

MYTH: MOVING ON WITH YOUR LIFE MEANS YOU'RE FORGETTING THE ONE YOU LOST.

FACT: Moving on means you've accepted your loved one's death. That's not the same as forgetting. You can adjust to a new life while always keeping your loved one's memory a part of you.

MYTH: FRIENDS CAN HELP THE MOURNER BY NOT BRINGING UP THE SUBJECT OF HIS OR HER LOSS.

FACT: People who are grieving usually want and need to talk about their loss - often over and over. Bringing up the topic can give a mourner an opening for talking. But if he or she doesn't seem to want to talk, don't pry or force conversation.

MYTH: A GOOD WAY TO EXPRESS SYMPATHY IS TO SAY "I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL."

FACT: Everyone feels grief in a different way. It's probably not possible for anyone to know exactly what another person is going through after a loss. Saying "I know how you feel" can make a mourner feel like you're making light of his or her pain.

MYTH: WHEN A DEATH IS EXPECTED, ALL GRIEVING IS DONE IN ADVANCE.

FACT: People often do start grieving ahead of an expected death - for example, a terminal illness. But as prepared as a person may feel, the actual death can still cause intense reactions.