Most of us will experience grief at some point in our lives following the death of a loved one. While grief is made up of intense emotional and physical reactions that are characterized by deep sadness and a yearning to be with that person again, how we react will be different for each of us because grief is unique.
Unfortunately, Western society isn't very good at dealing with grief. We tend to want a quick fix. But grief doesn't work in this way; there are no timetables or set rules to follow.
If you are dealing with the death of a loved one, grief can be a very lonely and isolating experience. Working out what you need to do to help yourself during this time is important.
People who are grieving need to be able to:
- Tell their story
- Seek support from family, friends or community groups
- Look after their physical and mental health because grief is a major stressor
- Give themselves permission to grieve
- Find ways to regain a sense of control in their lives
- Adapt to life without their loved one
About Our Bereavement Program
The Bereavement Program at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, part of the Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, provides support to bereaved family members and friends following the death of one of our patients. Bereavement support comes in a variety of forms including:
- Information about grief and what to expect
- Seminars about dealing with grief
- Support groups
- Individual visits to review coping and discuss available options
- Memorial services
Since grief is unique, no two individuals will grieve in the same way. Nevertheless, understanding what you are experiencing is an important first step. That's why we've created different bereavement guides based on your relationship with the person who has died.
Coping with the Loss of an Adult
This guide provides some general information about grief and explains what you might experience in the first few weeks and months after losing an adult family member or friend. It also gives you practical advice about handling your loved one’s personal affairs.
When Grief is New: A guide for families and friends
Cuando el duelo es reciente (Spanish)
Coping with the Loss of a Young Adult
This guide was written especially for bereaved parents and partners or spouses of our young adult patients. It offers practical suggestions for dealing with grief and loss, handling your adult child’s or partner’s affairs, and finding resources for support.
When A Young Adult Dies: A guide for parents and partners
Coping with the Loss of a Child
In collaboration with Boston Children's Hospital, we provide support and guidance to bereaved parents and other family members.
Learn about bereavement support following the death of a pediatric patient through our partners at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's.
Online Resources
There are a lot of bereavement resources available online. You may find the following websites about dealing with grief helpful.
Caring Connections
This national consumer and community engagement initiative to improve care at the end of life is a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
The Children's Room
The Children's Room helps grieving children, teens, and families to go on living fully. Serving families throughout Massachusetts, they educate teachers, counselors, youth workers, and other professionals about how children and teens grieve.
The Dougy Center for Grieving Children and Families
The Dougy Center provides support in a safe place where children, teens, young adults, and their families grieving a death can share their experiences.
Jeff's Place
Jeff’s Place offers hope and healing in a supportive community for grieving children, teens, young adults, families, and individuals.
Read our Insight blog for information and inspiration about bereavement support at Dana-Farber.
Bereavement Experiences
Even though grief is a solitary experience, you don’t need to go without support.
For more information about bereavement groups, please get in touch with the Bereavement Program by calling 617-632-2490 or emailing bereavement_program@dfci.harvard.edu.