Grief is a multi-faceted response to loss. Although conventionally focused on the emotional response to loss, it also has a physical, cognitive, behavioral, social and philosophical dimensions. Common to human experience is the death of a loved one, whether it be their friend, family, or other close to them. While the terms are often used interchangeably, bereavement often refers to the state of loss, and grief to the reaction to loss. Losses can range from loss of employment, pets, status, a sense of safety, order or possessions to the loss of the people nearest to us. Our response to loss is varied and researchers have moved away from conventional views of grief (that is, that people move through an orderly and predictable series of responses to loss) to one that considers the wide variety of responses that are influenced by personality, family, culture, and spiritual and religious beliefs and practices.
Bereavement, while a normal part of life for us all, carries a degree of risk when limited support is available. Severe reactions to loss may carry over into familial relations and cause trauma for children, spouses and any other family members: there is an increased risk of marital breakup following the death of a child, for example. Many forms of what we term 'mental illness' have loss as their root, but are covered by many years and circumstances this often goes unnoticed. Issues of personal faith and beliefs may also face challenge, as bereaved persons reassess personal definitions in the face of great pain. While many who grieve are able to work through their loss independently, accessing additional support from bereavement professionals may promote the process of healing. Individual counseling, professional support groups or educational classes, and peer-led support groups are primary resources available to the bereaved. In the United States, local hospice agencies may be an important first contact for those seeking bereavement support.
Anticipatory grief refers to a grief reaction that occurs in anticipation of an impending loss.

My battle with grief started about a year ago when my best mate was driving home from the mines to perth and about half way home he drifted onto the wrong side of the road and a truch ran straight through him. It was one of the hardest things i have had to deal with. I then continued to lose 8 more mates. My grief grew and grew. I started to lock myself away from the world. I just missed my mates so much and to know that i could never see them again just tore me apart.
I began to think i had nothing to live for so i ended up sinking further and further just hpong to hit rock bottem. I cried myself to sleep pretty much everynight. I just wanted to disapper for the world.
In about january i started to talk to other people who had lost loved ones to car accidents and i worked out that im not alone and that i should live my life like theres no tomorrow.
I also decided to live the life my friends cant live. I still think about them everyday and wonder what it would be like if they were still here.
I still miss them like hell but i know they are looking out for me and their other mates and not wanting us to give up and live our lives to the best we can.
~RIP~Matt~Brett~Jess~Scott~Corteny~Adam~Sam~
~We love ya and miss ya~

The death of someone close to you is troubling, particularly so if it a suicide. I lost my mom to suicide a few years back and still have a difficult time with all of the unanswered questions such an act leaves behind. Hopefully therapy will help.