Healing Rain - Frequently Asked Questions

What is grief?

Grief is an internal experience, or it may be looked upon as an inside emptiness: "Grief is love with no place to go".

What is mourning?

Mourning is grief that is expressed to the outside world by showing outward expressions of internal feelings.

What is one of the most important things we can do for anyone who
is grieving?

One of the most important things we can do for anyone who is grieving is to listen and let them verbalize, cry, or repeat stories over again and again. Being an active listener, all the while saying as little as possible, is often the most "helpful help" we can give.

How long is grieving supposed to last?

There is no set time limit as to how long one can grieve. However, it is important to be aware of a number of other issues that grief may cause. If those grieving find that they are experiencing behaviours that they've never experienced before (such as excessive sleeping, eating disorders, excessive depression, etc.) it may be helpful for them to consult a physician.