Bereavement in the Modern Western World

David San Filippo Ph.D., National-Louis University

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Abstract

Bereavement is the process of suffering that follows the loss of a living being that is significant to someone. When one suffers, she or he has to endure an unpleasant experience, in the case of bereavement, the loss of something special to the person. This loss most often is a loved one but could also include the loss of a pet, relationship, or physical or mental capability. This state of suffering is called grief. In describing his grief, C. S. Lewis stated, after the loss of his wife, “No one ever told me that grief felt so much like fear. I am not afraid, but the sensation is like being afraid.” Others describe grief as being all consuming and then as the initial emotions of grief subside, and the bereavement process sets in, grief comes more in the sense of waves of emotion that are brought on by memories and reminders of the lost loved one. Over time these waves of emotions become less frequent but when re-experienced, can be just as powerful as when the death initially occurred. This e-book will look at bereavement as a result of the loss of a loved one through death.