What Is the Difference Between Grief and Mourning?
Loss is a part of life, it's an experience nobody wants, yet it effects us all in different ways. Everyone experiences grief from time to time, whether that is due to job loss, relationship breakdown, loss of friends, divorce, or death. Even life transitions can be laden with grief.
We often hear the words "grief" and "mourning" used interchangeably when discussing loss. However, few people realize that there is a major difference between these two terms.
Grief vs. Mourning
Grief is an emotion, a feeling that occurs as a result of loss. Grief can occur before, during or after loss. Grief is a natural and healthy reaction to loss. Additionally, grief is often accompanied by somatic symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep disturbances.
Mourning is an expression of our grief, we use mourning rituals to help us accept loss. Mourning is a process that can involve rituals, behaviour and customs. Mourning includes celebrations of life, funerals, and writing letters to the deceased.
In summary, grief is our emotional reaction to loss, while mourning is a process that involves expressing and moving forward with our grief.
We all experience grief and mourning differently, but we must remember to show ourselves self-compassion during this season of our lives. Humans are social animals that require connection to cope with times of difficulty and stress. Social support that promotes an honest experession of feelings is critical for adapting to life after loss. Remember to seek grief support groups, to connect with friends and loved ones who allow you to express your grief, and seek therapy for additional support.
