Understanding Grief

Four Myths About Grief

While there are many misconceptions about coping with grief, four stand out:

Myth #1: The grieving process doesn't begin until after the loved one dies.
The process begins before death. In fact, for loved ones, it begins soon after learning about the patient's terminal diagnosis.

Myth #2: The grieving process is a short journey.
The journey usually takes a lot longer than anticipated.

Myth #3: You have to get over the person and move on.
On the contrary, it's most helpful to find different ways to stay connected to your loved one. As you move through the grieving process, your memories will become a more positive part of your life.

Myth #4: If you don't talk about the pain, it will go away.
We have found that the sooner you begin to talk about the pain, the smoother your healing process will be.