Grief is a natural response to losing someone we love. It’s a symptom of being human. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and there is no timeline you’re supposed to follow. Whatever you’re feeling right now makes sense.

Non-death losses are also real and significant. When life shifts in ways we didn’t choose, we grieve the version of life we expected, the roles we once held, and the futures we imagined. It is normal to grieve these changes, even if others don’t always understand or acknowledge them.

Examples of non-death loss:

Identify & Role Changes 

☐ Loss of sense of self or identity 

☐ Change in family role (parenting shift, caregiver role, empty nest, etc.) 

☐ Retirement or major career transition 

☐ Loss of independence or autonomy 

Health & Ability Changes 

☐ Chronic illness or pain 

☐ Disability or mobility changes 

☐ Cognitive/neurological decline 

☐ Mental health diagnosis that impacts functioning 

Relationship Changes (Without Death) 

☐ Divorce or separation 

☐ Estrangement from family 

☐ Loss of friendships or social group 

☐ Change in relationship due to illness, addiction, or conflict 

Ambiguous Loss 

☐ Someone is physically present but emotionally/cognitively absent 
(e.g., dementia, addiction, mental illness, coma) 

☐ Someone is emotionally present but physically absent 
(e.g., deployment, incarceration, immigration, disappearance) 

☐ Lack of clarity or closure 

Addiction & Recovery-Related Loss 

☐ Loss of community or identity related to alcohol or substance use 

☐ Loss of coping strategy that once felt helpful 

☐ Grief about how addiction changed someone you love 

Loss of Safety, Control, or Predictability 

☐ Trauma or violence 

☐ Loss of trust in others or self 

☐ Loss of sense of safety in the world 

Career & Financial Loss 

☐ Job loss or layoff 

☐ Forced retirement or career derailment 

☐ Financial instability or hardship 

Loss of Hopes, Dreams, & Expected Future 

☐ Infertility or pregnancy loss 

☐ Failed adoption or foster transition 

☐ Life not turning out as expected 

☐ Unmet personal goals or milestones 

Home, Stability & Community Loss 

☐ Moving or relocation 

☐ Eviction or housing insecurity 

☐ Loss of community, culture, or belonging 

Loss of Belief Systems or Meaning 

☐ Religious/spiritual shift 

☐ Loss of trust in institutions 

☐ Identity crisis around values or life direction 

Caregiving-Related Loss 

☐ Grief related to caregiving responsibilities 

☐ Loss of shared future with the person you care for 

☐ Feeling relationship roles change 

Animal & Companion Loss (Non-Death) 

☐ Rehoming a pet 

☐ Separation from service or emotional support animal