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normal grief

The usual feelings, thoughts and behaviors that follow a loss, such as a death.

NOR-mul GREEF noun

What it means

Also called uncomplicated grief. It can include sadness, crying, anger, guilt, trouble sleeping, poor appetite and thinking a lot about the person who died. These feelings come in waves and slowly ease over time, and the person can still carry on with daily life. Grief that is very long, intense or stops a person from functioning is called complicated or prolonged grief.

For the nurse

Listen, let the person talk about the loss and express feelings, and do not hurry them or use phrases like "I know how you feel." Ask about support, and refer to bereavement services.

At a glance

Also writtenuncomplicated grief

Related terms

caregiver

A person who looks after someone who needs help, such as a family member, friend or paid helper.

false reassurance

Telling a person that everything will be fine when there is no real basis for saying so.

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