Grief is experienced at 100% for each individual, so it is not helpful to compare loss.
Primary and Secondary Loss
Grief happens after death and major life changes. Primary losses are obvious losses, such as a person, object, or job. Secondary losses sometimes called “hidden losses,” are more difficult to recognize and are most often associated with the impact or meaning of the loss. Primary and secondary loss examples include:
- Death of loved ones or pets
- Relationship in any way with loved ones or pets
- Identity changed or denied
- Dreams and expectations
- Physical health
- Emotional well-being
- Financial security
- Freedom
- Material things valued
- Religious or Spiritual faith
Sudden Death
Sudden death may be more difficult to grieve because there was no warning. Examples include:
- Accidents
- Disappearance
- Drowning
- Heart attacks
- Miscarriage
- Murder
- Natural disasters
- Sudden infant death
- Suicide
- Terror attacks
- War