Grief & Loss
Information and Resources
Grief is a natural—and deeply human—response to significant loss. Most often, we think of grief following the death of someone we love. But grief can also emerge after any profound change or absence that disrupts our sense of connection, identity, or future.
Grief affects more than just our emotions. It can influence our thoughts, behaviors, relationships, and even our physical well-being. While there are common patterns in how grief is expressed, no two people experience it the same way. Each person’s grief is shaped by their unique relationship with what was lost—and how that loss has altered their life.
Contrary to popular belief, we don’t simply “get over” a loss or return to normal with time. Mourning—the process of adapting to a world forever changed—takes active, ongoing effort. Over time, we find ways to carry our grief, make meaning of what happened, and build a new life that includes the absence.
This page offers education, insight, and practical tools for navigating grief—whether you’re supporting yourself or someone else. There is no one right way to grieve. And you don’t have to do it alone.
What Does Grief Look Like?
Many people automatically think of feelings when they think of grief. Yes, grief expresses itself through our feelings. Grief also expresses itself in other ways, such as physical, cognitive, social, behavioral, and spiritual. Indeed, grief can impact our entire being.
Click on infographic for a downloadable pdf.
NOTE: While it is important to understand that grief expresses itself in so many different ways and that experiencing any of these is “typical”, the intensity and persistence might indicate a need for additional help. If you feel concerned about any of these (or others not described here), please do seek help through a medical provider, clinical mental health therapist, or other resource as needed.
Free Expressions of Grief Series Resources
These resources help provide understanding about what grief looks like, which can help alleviate some concerns you might be experiencing in your grief journey. Each 4-page pdf has been developed with care and compassion—simply enter your email to access all four handouts.
Grief is not just sadness—
it’s exhaustion, anger, relief, numbness... and more.
This beautiful poem was written by a colleague and former classmate in the graduate program for Thanatology at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland.
Taking Care of Yourself While Grieving
Grief takes an enormous toll on mind, body, and spirit. It can feel overwhelming, leaving even the simplest daily tasks difficult to manage. In these tender times, it helps to return to the basics of self-care. Nourishing your body with food and water, making space for rest, and allowing yourself both solitude and connection can support your ability to move through each day.
Self-care while grieving isn’t about “fixing” the pain or forcing yourself to feel better. Instead, it’s about gently tending to your needs so you have the strength to carry your loss. Small choices—like taking a walk, spending time with loved ones, or finding quiet moments of reflection—create steadiness when everything else feels uncertain. By caring for yourself in these ways, you are honoring both your grief and your capacity for healing.
Clients often share that the smallest steps end up making the biggest difference:
“I was looking for something significant to help. I never thought something as simple as setting a reminder on my phone to drink water every hour would make such a big difference, but it did.”– MV Client
More Resources Coming Soon...
Additional Online Resources
Association for Death Education & Counseling. An excellent resource for professionals and others working in the field, including ongoing training, resources, and certification in thanatology.
Heather Stang is a thanatologist, yoga therapist, and relationship coach. Through her website, she provides private sessions, grief support community, books, and free resources.
Hospice Foundation of America. More than information and resources about hospice, HFA offers a lot of information, videos, research, and resources for grief and loss, palliative care, advance planning, and more.
Refuge in Grief Megan Devine is a best-selling author, psychotherapist, podcaster, and grief advocate. This website offers a variety of resources including a podcast, videos, articles, and tip sheets for those who are grieving as well as those who support the bereaved.
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) This website offers several 1-page resources for those who are bereaved or are helping someone who is bereaved by suicide.
Support After Suicide. This website is based out of the UK and offers useful information to both survivors and those who are helping survivors of suicide loss.
“Finding the Words: How to support someone who has been bereaved and affected by suicide”
What’s Your Grief. “Grief support for the rest of us." This website is a great resource for grief articles, learning, videos, and more.
Portland Institute for Loss and Transition. An excellent training resource for professionals and others working in the field.