Global Grief Network · Specialized and Advanced Program
GGN Non-Death Loss and Identity Grief: Grieving the Lives and Selves We Lose
Understand grief for losses that are not deaths, such as health, independence, identity, relationships, and the life you expected, and learn ways to rebuild a sense of self.
988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States. It is free, confidential, and open 24/7 by call, text, or chat at 988lifeline.org. Veterans: dial 988 then press 1. Outside the US, use your local emergency number or crisis line. This program is education, not crisis care. If you are struggling as you read, please pause and reach out now.
Grief is not only about death. People grieve when their health changes, when they lose independence, when a marriage ends, when a career is over, when they move far from home, or when the life they expected does not happen. These losses can reshape who we are.
This program is for anyone facing a non death loss, the people around them, and practitioners. It explains identity grief in plain language and offers practical ways to honor what was lost and build a life and identity that fit who you are now.
The Global Grief Network (GGN) exists so that no one has to grieve alone. Through the GGN app, the Memory Wall, our streaming and broadcasting channels, Grief Talk Magazine, the Grief First Aid course, the GGN Practitioner Directory, and the GGN Educator Directory, we connect grieving people with community, information, and care.
The program follows four simple steps that run through every module:
An important note before you begin. This is an education program. It is not crisis care, clinical treatment, counseling, or a substitute for professional help. If you or someone you love is in crisis in the United States, call or text 988. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Take breaks as you need them, and reach out if any part of this brings up pain for you.
GGN Non-Death Loss and Identity Grief: Grieving the Lives and Selves We Lose. A GGN education program leading to the Global Grief Network Certification.
What this program is
A self-paced course of about 6 hours.
Plain-language education written for grieving people, supporters, and practitioners.
Practical, original GGN practices, fictional stories, reflection prompts, and quizzes.
What this program is not
It is not crisis care. In a crisis, call or text 988, or call 911 for immediate danger.
It is not mental health treatment or counseling.
It does not diagnose any condition.
It does not suggest that every change must be grieved or that grief means something is wrong.
Who This Program Is For
People facing changes in health, ability, independence, relationships, work, home, or life plans.
Family members, friends, and caregivers.
Grief educators, peer supporters, health and social care workers, and other practitioners.
There are no prerequisites.
Format and Time
Module
Title
Time
1
Grief Beyond Death
1 hour
2
Health, Ability, and Independence
1 hour
3
Identity and Roles
1 hour
4
Relationships and Life Expectations
1 hour
5
Transitions and Rebuilding
1 hour
6
Practitioner Takeaways
1 hour
Each module has objectives, lessons, a GGN practice, a fictional story, reflection prompts, and a quiz. A final assessment, a crisis resources page, and the Global Grief Network Certification complete the program.
A note on safety and care
This program follows safe messaging practice. It does not include graphic detail or describe methods of harm, and it centers hope, help-seeking, and connection. All stories and cases are fictional and were written by the Global Grief Network. If you need to stop, please do, and come back when you are ready.
