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Bereavement is when an individual is deprived of something valuable. In the Jamaican society it commonly refers to the death of a significant person. Grief symbolizes the psychological elements of bereavement - the feelings evoked by a major loss, especially the suffering experienced when a loved one dies. Mourning is the behavioural expression of grief often culturally interconnected. Bereavement can be expressed in various acts of mourning such as funeral ceremonials or the withdrawing from public activities.

Each person has an individual response to their specific loss. Theoretical ideas of what is “normal” concerning bereavement could help foresee a greater risk of complicated bereavement and even a diagnosis of Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder (DSM-5). An example - people who remain in denial and continue to state that they can see, hear and even talk with the deceased. They continue with life as if the deceased is still alive by making dinner, preparing clothes, etc. for the deceased.

Worden's Tasks of Mourning

According to Worden individuals should understand mourning as a process with four tasks

1. Accept the reality of the loss

2. Work through the pain and grief

3. Adjust to an environment in which the deceased is missing

4. Emotionally relocate the deceased and move on with life

Individuals do not get over grief but get through grief. Grieving is a process and so individuals will will move back and forth throughout. There is no time limit to grief however individuals must be guided how to grieve healthily.