Typically
people view significant loss as a death in the family or of a close
friend, but there are many life changes and transitions which produce
feelings of loss and grief.
Relationship
Changes
Divorce
or separation (loss for any family member)
Marriage or commitment to someone
Birth of a child or child leaving home
Friendship
changes
Life
Changes
Death
of a spouse, family member, or friend.
Pregnancy or loss of a pregnancy.
Loss of a child to adoption.
Loss of a beloved pet.
Health
Changes
Personal
injury or illness
Changes in family member’s health
Job/School-related
Change
Gain
or loss of a promotion or career opportunity
New work conditions, hours, or responsibility
Graduation
Moving
Retirement
Other
Changes
Loss
of income or financial readjustment.
Changes in habits (such as quitting smoking)
People
can also experience grief when they have gone through a series of
losses. If one does not have enough time between losses, it is more
difficult to heal and the impact of even small losses is often great.