It can be very difficult to adjust to life after the death of a loved one.

Grief is not just a feeling. It is dozens of feelings—sometimes contradictory feelings—that are a response to losing someone you love. Grief is not just an emotion either. Grief is a physical response with ailments, aches, and fatigue. It is an intellectual experience that asks a lot of hard questions about life, your relationship, what happened, and the future. Grief is also a spiritual experience that asks us the meaning and purpose of this suffering.

Because grief is such a complex experience that is different for every person, it is important to find support and take good care of your emotional and physical needs. While grief is a normal part of being human, it can further complicate your life if you don’t take care of your feelings and body.

The death of a loved one is one of life's most difficult experiences, and along your grief journey, you will encounter some difficult and sad moments, as well as some pleasant moments, as you reflect on the good times and experiences you and your loved one shared. Those feelings are a normal part of the grieving process.

Your grief journey is yours alone. No one will grieve the loss of a loved one exactly the way you do – and that's okay. As you begin your journey, do so with no expectations regarding the path you'll take, which might lead you to places you least expect. Instead, and to the best of your ability, embrace what the journey has to offer because you might discover new things about your loved one and, more importantly, even about yourself.

Your grief journey will be difficult at times, but along the way, you will also discover opportunities to honor your loved one in unique and beautiful ways in tribute to the impact he or she had on the lives of others, and the indelible mark your loved one left on the world.

The death of a loved one is a stressful life event, and the resulting grief can trigger many uncomfortable feelings, thoughts and physical sensations.