Good Mourning

Midlife

Why We Become More Aware of Mortality in Midlife

Kenneth J. Doka Ph.D. on August 5, 2025

As we move into midlife, we become increasingly aware of our mortality. While this can increase our anxiety, it can also be a source of personal growth.

As we move into midlife, we become increasingly aware of our mortality. While this can increase our anxiety, it can also be a source of personal growth.

Grief

When Siblings Grieve

Kenneth J. Doka Ph.D. on January 23, 2025

Our longest relationships are with our siblings. Throughout our lives, we look to them for validation and support. When they die, how can we cope with the loss?

Our longest relationships are with our siblings. Throughout our lives, we look to them for validation and support. When they die, how can we cope with the loss?

Grief

Complicated Grief Can Be Complicated

Kenneth J. Doka Ph.D. on November 21, 2023

The newest version of the DSM acknowledges that grief reactions can be complicated and offers five different diagnoses that can be applied to persons dealing with loss.

The newest version of the DSM acknowledges that grief reactions can be complicated and offers five different diagnoses that can be applied to persons dealing with loss.

Autism

Adults with Autism Grieve, Too

Kenneth J. Doka Ph.D. on November 5, 2023

They may behave differently, but they feel the loss just as much.

They may behave differently, but they feel the loss just as much.

Education

The Shock of Learning New Information After a Death

Kenneth J. Doka Ph.D. on August 9, 2022

After a death, learning negative information about the deceased can complicate our grief.

After a death, learning negative information about the deceased can complicate our grief.

Grief

The Stuff of Grief: Dealing with the Deceased's Possessions

Kenneth J. Doka Ph.D. on March 28, 2022

After the death of a loved one, what should you do with the possessions of the deceased? There are really no easy answers—but there are very individual ones.

After the death of a loved one, what should you do with the possessions of the deceased? There are really no easy answers—but there are very individual ones.

Grief

Shouldering the Hard Work of Grief

Kenneth J. Doka Ph.D. on February 17, 2022

Can we have enjoyment in the midst of our grief? We not only can—it is essential that we do.

Can we have enjoyment in the midst of our grief? We not only can—it is essential that we do.

Someone may wonder why they're not experiencing sadness after a loss. But grief is far more than just sadness, and may manifest in countless different ways.

The push to see funerals only as "celebrations of life" can disenfranchise grief.

Grief can devastate you unexpectedly. But you retain the choice to live a renewed life over time.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

"Not the Way I Wanted It to Be"

Kenneth J. Doka Ph.D. on September 2, 2020

Even in the midst of a pandemic, we can find ways to honor our loved one, our loss, and our grief.

Even in the midst of a pandemic, we can find ways to honor our loved one, our loss, and our grief.

Grief

Continuing Bonds, Not Chains of Pain

Kenneth J. Doka Ph.D. on June 30, 2020

Journeying with grief does not mean we have to live a life of unremitting pain.

Journeying with grief does not mean we have to live a life of unremitting pain.

Grief

The Coming Pandemic

Kenneth J. Doka Ph.D. on June 23, 2020

We need to prepare for the next pandemic—that of complicated grief—that will affect medical and mental health staff as well as survivors.

We need to prepare for the next pandemic—that of complicated grief—that will affect medical and mental health staff as well as survivors.

At a time when deaths are occurring at rapid rates, there may be many factors isolating the bereaved—and thereby complicating grief.

Family Dynamics

Why Did My Family Fall Apart After Mom's Death?

Kenneth J. Doka Ph.D. on February 24, 2020

Is family conflict inevitable after a parent's death? How can you cope with the stress and loss of a sense of family?

Is family conflict inevitable after a parent's death? How can you cope with the stress and loss of a sense of family?

Grief

The Unmentionables

Kenneth J. Doka Ph.D. on October 10, 2019

Are there feelings that you encounter as you deal with loss that seem to be "unmentionable"?

Are there feelings that you encounter as you deal with loss that seem to be "unmentionable"?

Grief

Can You Die from a Broken Heart?

Kenneth J. Doka Ph.D. on August 22, 2019

Grief can seriously compromise our heath—but it does not have to do so. There is much you can do, even in the midst of grief, to take care of yourself.

Grief can seriously compromise our heath—but it does not have to do so. There is much you can do, even in the midst of grief, to take care of yourself.

Loneliness

The Loneliness of Grief

Kenneth J. Doka Ph.D. on June 13, 2019

If you are experiencing loneliness as you grieve, there are things you can do to help yourself.

If you are experiencing loneliness as you grieve, there are things you can do to help yourself.

Why do we feel so alone in grief? Are we sending the wrong message to others?

We never lose the connection with those who we love. They have left legacies and memories. Yet it is important that these continuing bonds not become chains.