Sometimes a loss that seems trivial to the outside observer, such as the death of a pet or a favorite celebrity, or losing an object of sentimental value, is followed by a severe grief reaction because the loss has a disproportionate significance. The grief also can occur when the loss is intangible, such as after a stroke or cataract, when the loss is a function of a part of the body. In each of these examples, the individual loses someone or something that is emotionally or physically "part of themselves." (Shuchter and Zisook)

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