We know that grief is a stressor for those struggling after the death of a significant person in their lives. Dealing with the stresses of loss and grief can wear us down-physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and socially. But what is stress and how serious can it be for the mourner?
Stress is a person’s physical and emotional response to change. Stress allows us to respond and adapt to our environment. The time taken to adapt to the change determines whether the stress is:
- Acute stress – calls for an immediate reaction to change that is judge to be threatening (stressor). Adjusting to the change takes only a short time.
- Chronic stress – results from changes that are not addressed. This lack of action leaves the body in a state of heightened awareness or tension.
If all stressors were acute, then stress would not be such a critical…
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Loss, Grief, Bereavement and Life Transitions Resource Library 
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