Grief and Loss
Feelings of loss and grief can occur after losing someone or something that you care about. This may be the death of a loved one or the loss of a relationship, a job, your health, your possessions or your way of life. When we lose someone or something that is very important to us, it can take time to adjust and to learn to live our life without that person, thing or way of life.
Grief is a normal part of life and something that everyone experiences at some point. How we experience it will depend lots of things, including who, what or how we have lost. Our personality, upbringing, beliefs and current circumstances are just some of the things that can also affect what and how we experience loss.
Some common experiences are as follows, however we are all different so this list is not limited:
Even though it doesn't change what has happened, talking with others can be helpful. You may find friends and family are all you need but it's not unusual to find it helpful to talk things through with someone you know won't judge you or who isn't emotionally involved.
Complex Grief
Some experiences affect the complexity of the thoughts and feelings surrounding loss and grief including those affected by loss of someone in an accident, by suicide, sudden illness, death of a child and multiple losses, these are just some experiences that can be particularly intense, overwhelming and far-reaching.
When to get help....
When someone finds themselves overwhelmed with the pain, or even avoiding the pain of grieving, it can start to get in the way of how they live, it can affect work, relationships, or day-to-day life. When this happens then you need to get support or professional help. Long-term or overwhelming grief can put your physical, mental and emotional health at risk.
Grief is a normal part of life and something that everyone experiences at some point. How we experience it will depend lots of things, including who, what or how we have lost. Our personality, upbringing, beliefs and current circumstances are just some of the things that can also affect what and how we experience loss.
Some common experiences are as follows, however we are all different so this list is not limited:
- Feeling sad or down, frequent crying
- Shock, denial or feeling “numb”
- Feeling stressed, anxious, exhausted or confused
- Anger, guilt, shame, blame or relief
- Feeling lonely, isolated or withdrawn
- Not feeling yourself or acting differently than usual
- Physical health problems – headaches, change in eating habits or sleeping patterns
- Difficulties concentrating, making mistakes at work or school
- Lacking motivation and not enjoying your normal activities or hobbies
- Difficulties or tension in personal relationships (other people close to you may cope differently with the experience)
- Increased alcohol, smoking or drug use
- Feeling hopeless or like you can’t go on, thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Even though it doesn't change what has happened, talking with others can be helpful. You may find friends and family are all you need but it's not unusual to find it helpful to talk things through with someone you know won't judge you or who isn't emotionally involved.
Complex Grief
Some experiences affect the complexity of the thoughts and feelings surrounding loss and grief including those affected by loss of someone in an accident, by suicide, sudden illness, death of a child and multiple losses, these are just some experiences that can be particularly intense, overwhelming and far-reaching.
When to get help....
When someone finds themselves overwhelmed with the pain, or even avoiding the pain of grieving, it can start to get in the way of how they live, it can affect work, relationships, or day-to-day life. When this happens then you need to get support or professional help. Long-term or overwhelming grief can put your physical, mental and emotional health at risk.