A Personal Perspective: When a pet dies, we lose a cherished companion and more.Posted November 17, 2022Reviewed by Vanessa Lancaster – Psychology Today Carrying emotional baggage is something we do all the time with people and pets. Because pets don't speak, it's easy to project feelings onto them and see the relationship as we most wish it to be . When a pet dies, you may uncover the unconscious aspects of the relationship by exploring the nature of your grief. The depth of

Anticipatory grief is a deeply emotional experience that occurs before a significant loss takes place. It often affects people facing the imminent death of a loved one or their own, but it can also appear in situations of profound change — such as a terminal diagnosis, an impending divorce, or the loss of one’s health or independence. Sometimes referred to as preparatory grief , it reflects the emotional preparation for loss — yet, for some, it can heighten anxiety and prolon

Death isn’t a prerequisite for grief—common life events can trigger ambiguous grief. Without societal norms to acknowledge the loss, grieving for someone who is still alive can feel isolating. Shame and embarrassment may prevent people from sharing their experience. Recognizing ambiguous grief is an important first step toward healing. Grief is a universal experience. Regardless of geography, socio-economic status, age, or gender, humans grieve when a loved one dies. But what

Grief differs between people and situations, but the steps for moving on are universal. No matter how long you’ve been with a partner, a breakup can feel like a big ol’ sucker punch to the stomach — and heart. The emotions that follow the end of a relationship can range from sadness and despair to anger and frustration. Some people may develop depression or experience post-traumatic relationship disorder, while others might rely on vices like alcohol to cope. But can these re