How Does Bereavement Differ from Grief?
Bereavement is the objective state of having lost someone significant through death, while grief is your subjective emotional, cognitive, and physical response to that loss. Though these terms are often used interchangeably, understanding the distinction between bereavement and grief can help you navigate your loss experience with greater clarity and self-compassion. Bereavement describes the situation you find yourself in after someone dies. Grief describes everything you feel, think, and experience as you process that death over time.
According to a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, the pooled prevalence of prolonged grief disorder is approximately 9.8% (95% CI 6.8-14.0) among bereaved adults, based on analysis of 14 eligible studies (Lundorff et al., 2017). This means the vast majority of bereaved individuals navigate grief without developing clinical complications.
Many families navigating loss find that understanding grief terminology is just the beginning of a longer journey. Parting Stone's solidification process transforms cremated remains into 40-80+ smooth, touchable stones that families can hold, share, and cherish, providing a tangible way to maintain connection with loved ones as the grief journey unfolds.
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We transform cremated remains into beautiful, touchable stones that bring comfort when you need it. Something you can hold, share, and keep close.
What Is Bereavement?
Bereavement refers to the state of loss following someone's death. Bereavement is an objective situation: you either are bereaved or you are not. The word comes from an Old English term meaning "to deprive" or "to rob," which captures the sense that something precious has been taken from you.
During the bereavement period, families typically handle practical matters like funeral arrangements, legal paperwork, and receiving condolences from others. Bereavement often involves a socially recognized timeframe when the bereaved person is expected to be in mourning. Different cultures define bereavement periods differently, ranging from a few days to an entire year.
Parting Stone serves families during and after the bereavement period, offering solidified remains as a complete alternative to conventional cremated ashes. When families feel ready, the solidification service transforms the full amount of remains into a collection of stones that can be held, shared among family members, or displayed meaningfully in the home.
The bereavement period often feels overwhelming because you are simultaneously processing shock, handling logistics, and supporting other grieving family members. Understanding that bereavement is a recognized state of loss can help validate your experience and give you permission to prioritize your needs during this difficult time.
@chloebluffcakes Thank you @partingstone 🤍 youve given me an unimaginable gift. One day I will share these with my little sister and carry her wherever we go in life together. #grief #partingstone #loss
♬ Repeat Until Death - Novo Amor
What Is Grief?
Grief is the emotional, psychological, and physical response to loss. Unlike bereavement, which is a state, grief is a process and an experience. Grief encompasses the full range of human emotions: sadness, anger, confusion, relief, guilt, love, and hope can all appear, sometimes within the same hour.
Research published in The Lancet confirms that prolonged grief disorder has a typical onset of 6 to 12 months after the death of a close person and is associated with various poor outcomes, including negative health outcomes such as high blood pressure, increased rates of suicidality, low life satisfaction, and increased service use (Prigerson et al., 2025).
Grief extends beyond death to encompass many types of significant loss. People grieve relationships, health, opportunities, and life transitions. However, grief following death often carries particular weight because of its permanence and finality.
For instance, a daughter whose mother passed away six months ago continues to experience waves of grief even though the formal bereavement period has ended. Using Parting Stone's solidification service, this daughter received her mother's remains as 47 smooth stones that she now keeps in a ceramic bowl on her kitchen counter, where she can see and touch them every morning. This tangible connection provides comfort during ongoing grief.
Grief has no set timeline and unfolds differently for each person. There is no "right" way to grieve, and healing happens in your own time at your own pace. Understanding grief as a natural response to loss, rather than something to "fix" or rush through, allows for a healthier relationship with your emotions. If you're experiencing emotional numbness after loss, know that this too is a common and protective grief response.
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Key Differences Between Bereavement and Grief
Understanding the distinctions between bereavement and grief helps clarify the complex experience of loss. Bereavement is the situation; grief is your reaction. Bereavement is objective; grief is subjective. Bereavement typically has socially defined boundaries; grief follows no predictable timeline.
| Aspect | Bereavement | Grief |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | State of having lost someone | Response to that loss |
| Nature | Objective situation | Subjective experience |
| Duration | Socially defined period | No fixed timeline |
| Scope | Specifically tied to death | Applies to many types of loss |
| Focus | External rituals and customs | Internal emotional journey |
Source: Conceptual framework synthesized from grief terminology across clinical literature, including DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria and ICD-11 classification systems.
Parting Stone's solidification service addresses both bereavement and grief needs. During bereavement, the service provides a meaningful alternative to traditional cremated ashes. During ongoing grief, the resulting collection of stones offers a tangible connection to your loved one that can be held, shared, and incorporated into daily life.
The cremated remains of Garth's mother felt meaningless sitting in his clothing closet for 2 decades. Learn how solidified remains helped dissolve the relationship barrier he felt with her and integrate her memory into daily life.
What Is Mourning?
Mourning is the outward expression of grief through rituals, behaviors, and customs. Mourning makes internal grief visible to others. While grief is what you feel inside, mourning is what you do to express those feelings externally.
Mourning practices vary significantly across cultures and may include wearing black clothing, observing periods of silence, holding memorial services, lighting candles, or creating tributes to the deceased. These rituals serve important psychological and social functions, providing structure during chaotic times and signaling to others that you are in a state of loss.
Consider a son who lost his father and wants to find meaningful ways to honor that memory. Parting Stone's collection of solidified remains enables families to create new mourning rituals. This son might place one stone in his father's garden, carry another in his pocket on significant days, and display several on a memorial shelf where the family gathers to share memories.
The relationship between bereavement, grief, and mourning forms a complete picture of the loss experience. Bereavement is your state. Grief is your internal process. Mourning is your outward expression. All three are valid, necessary aspects of navigating significant loss. For guidance on planning meaningful memorial commemorations, there are resources available to help you honor anniversaries and milestones.
Why Understanding These Differences Matters
Clarity about grief terminology supports your healing journey in practical ways. Understanding that bereavement has socially recognized boundaries helps you navigate workplace bereavement leave, family expectations, and social situations. Understanding that grief has no fixed timeline helps you give yourself permission to process loss at your own pace without judgment.
According to a cross-national analysis published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, the average prevalence of prolonged grief disorder was 13% (95% CI 11-22%), with significant variation based on sampling methodology: 5% in probability samples versus 16% in non-probability samples, based on data from 24 prevalence studies comprising 34 samples from 16 countries and 20,347 participants (Comtesse et al., 2024).
This terminology also helps when supporting others. Knowing that someone is bereaved tells you they have experienced a loss. Knowing they are grieving tells you they are actively processing that loss. Both states deserve compassion, but the type of support needed may differ.
Perhaps most importantly, understanding these distinctions helps you recognize when professional support might be beneficial. Bereavement is universal. Grief is universal. But when grief becomes particularly intense, prolonged, or debilitating, speaking with a grief counselor or therapist can provide valuable guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bereavement and Grief
How long does bereavement typically last?
Bereavement duration varies based on cultural, religious, and personal factors. Many Western workplaces recognize bereavement periods of 3-5 days for immediate family members, though formal mourning periods in some traditions extend much longer. Jewish tradition observes shiva for seven days and sheloshim for thirty days. Some cultures observe the first anniversary of death as a significant bereavement milestone.
The key distinction is that bereavement refers to the socially recognized period of loss, while grief continues for as long as you experience emotional responses to that loss. Parting Stone's solidification process takes approximately 8-10 weeks from order to delivery, which often aligns with the transition from acute bereavement into the longer grief journey.
Is grief the same as depression?
Grief and depression share some symptoms, including sadness, sleep disruption, appetite changes, and difficulty concentrating. However, grief and depression are distinct experiences. Grief typically comes in waves connected to thoughts of the deceased, while depression tends to be more persistent and pervasive. Grief preserves a sense of self-worth, while depression often involves feelings of worthlessness.
The DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision) distinguishes between normal grief and major depressive disorder, though the two can co-occur. According to a study in JAMA Network Open, presumptive prevalence rates among bereaved respondents were 20% for prolonged grief disorder, 34% for PTSD, and 30% for major depressive disorder, with 29% reporting comorbidities (Gang et al., 2024). If you are experiencing persistent, unrelenting symptoms that significantly impair your ability to function, consulting a mental health professional can help determine whether depression accompanies your grief.
Can you grieve someone who is still alive?
Grief can occur in response to many types of loss beyond death, including relationship endings, estrangement, divorce, or cognitive decline from conditions like dementia. This type of grief is sometimes called ambiguous loss or anticipatory grief. The emotional responses can be just as intense as grief following death.
Unlike bereavement, which specifically relates to death, grief encompasses any significant loss. Parting Stone serves families specifically navigating loss through death, providing solidified remains as an alternative to conventional cremated ashes for those who want a more tangible, touchable way to maintain connection with someone who has passed.
What is complicated grief?
Complicated grief, also called prolonged grief disorder, occurs when acute grief persists intensely for an extended period, typically beyond 12 months, and significantly impairs daily functioning. Symptoms include persistent yearning, difficulty accepting the death, avoidance of reminders, and inability to engage in life.
According to a German population study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, the prevalence of prolonged grief disorder according to ICD-11 criteria was 4.2% among bereaved persons (n=914), while DSM-5-TR criteria identified 3.3% of bereaved individuals (Treml et al., 2021). Risk factors include sudden or violent death, ambivalent relationships, and limited social support. Treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy and prolonged grief disorder treatment show effectiveness in clinical trials.
How do cultural backgrounds affect bereavement and grief?
Cultural background significantly shapes both bereavement rituals and grief expression. Some cultures encourage open emotional expression during bereavement, while others value stoic composure. Some cultures have elaborate mourning rituals lasting months or years, while others observe brief, private bereavement periods.
Parting Stone's solidified remains work within diverse cultural frameworks. The collection of 40-80+ stones allows for various cultural practices: some families scatter stones at meaningful locations, others display them on home altars, and others share stones among extended family members. The service adapts to how different families and cultures choose to honor their departed.
What physical symptoms accompany grief?
Grief manifests physically as well as emotionally. Common physical grief symptoms include fatigue, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, muscle tension, headaches, and a weakened immune system. Some people experience chest tightness, shortness of breath, or an empty feeling in the stomach.
Research on bereavement and cardiovascular health has documented significant associations. A matched cohort study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that the risk of acute cardiovascular events was significantly elevated in the first 30 days after partner bereavement, with incidence rate ratios of 2.14 for myocardial infarction (95% CI, 1.20-3.81) and 2.40 for stroke (95% CI, 1.22-4.71), based on analysis of 30,447 bereaved individuals aged 60-89 matched with 83,588 non-bereaved controls (Carey et al., 2014). These findings underscore the importance of physical self-care during grief, including rest, nutrition, and gentle movement.
When should I seek professional help for grief?
Professional support can benefit anyone navigating grief, regardless of symptom severity. However, certain signs suggest professional help may be particularly valuable:
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Inability to perform daily activities for an extended period
- Substance use to cope with emotional pain
- Persistent feelings of worthlessness
- Grief that intensifies rather than fluctuates over time
Grief counselors, therapists specializing in loss, and support groups all offer valuable resources. Many people find that combining professional support with meaningful memorial practices creates a comprehensive approach to healing. Parting Stone's customer support team understands the grief journey and provides compassionate guidance throughout the solidification process.
How can I support someone who is bereaved or grieving?
Supporting someone in bereavement or grief requires presence, patience, and practical help. During bereavement, offer specific assistance with meals, errands, or logistics rather than saying "let me know if you need anything." Listen without trying to fix or minimize their pain. Avoid phrases like "they're in a better place" or "at least they lived a long life," which can feel dismissive.
During ongoing grief, continue checking in beyond the funeral. Remember that grief resurges around anniversaries, holidays, and milestones. Simply saying "I'm thinking of you" can mean more than elaborate words. If you notice concerning signs like severe depression, substance abuse, or self-harm, gently encourage professional support while continuing to offer your compassionate presence.
Taking the Next Step in Your Grief Journey
Understanding the distinction between bereavement and grief provides a foundation for navigating loss with greater clarity. Bereavement is your state of loss. Grief is your ongoing response to that loss. Both deserve acknowledgment, compassion, and support.
Many families find that decisions about cremated remains become important considerations during the grief journey. Parting Stone offers solidified remains as a complete alternative to conventional ashes. The solidification process transforms 100% of cremated remains into a collection of 40-80+ smooth, polished stones that you can hold, share, display, scatter, or travel with.
When you are ready to explore your options, Parting Stone's service is available at $2,495 for human remains solidification and $1,195 for pet remains solidification. The process takes approximately 8-10 weeks and includes secure collection, expert processing, and careful return of your loved one's solidified remains.
Your grief journey is unique, and there is no timeline for deciding what feels right for your family. Whether you are in the immediate aftermath of loss or years into your grief, support is available when you are ready.
References
Carey, I. M., Shah, S. M., DeWilde, S., Harris, T., Victor, C. R., & Cook, D. G. (2014). Increased risk of acute cardiovascular events after partner bereavement: A matched cohort study. JAMA Internal Medicine, 174(4), 598-605. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.14558
Comtesse, H., Smid, G. E., Rummel, A. M., Djelantik, A. A. A. M. J., Rosner, R., & Lundorff, M. (2024). Cross-national analysis of the prevalence of prolonged grief disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders, 350, 359-365. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.046
Gang, J., Falzarano, F., Maciejewski, P. K., & Prigerson, H. G. (2024). Prevalence and co-occurrence of psychiatric conditions among bereaved adults. JAMA Network Open, 7(5), e2415325. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.15325
Lundorff, M., Holmgren, H., Zachariae, R., Farver-Vestergaard, I., & O'Connor, M. (2017). Prevalence of prolonged grief disorder in adult bereavement: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 212, 138-149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2017.01.030
Prigerson, H. G., Maciejewski, P. K., Shear, M. K., & Reynolds, C. F. (2025). Prolonged grief disorder. The Lancet, S0140-6736(25)00354-X. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00354-X
Treml, J., Brähler, E., & Kersting, A. (2021). Prevalence of prolonged grief disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders, 287, 301-307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.03.058
