Grief is often defined as the normal process of reacting to a loss. There are many types of losses from the physical absence of a loved one, the ending of a relationship to the loss of an occupation, role, or social status.  

Complicated grief often arises when the loss is more complex, such as an unexpected or sudden loss, the loss of a child, prolonged illness, a loss by suicide, or homicide.  There are also a host of emotional reactions that grief can provoke as well as the stress of adjusting to a deep sense of loss. 

Mourning is the outward expression of grief when one feels the pain and sorrow of the loss.  The mourning process can look very different based on one's culture, faith, beliefs and experiences with past loss.  There is no right or wrong way to grieve and having the support and guidance through the grieving process can help individuals focus less on the suffering and learn to work through the pain of the loss.