Grief is the term used to describe our reactions to a loss, that include thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and physical symptoms. Although loss is a common human experience, grief can be complex, confusing, and multi-faceted, and completely different to other people’s experience.
We normally associate grief and loss with a death of a loved one or someone close, however it is presented in many other types of losses.
Types of loss
- Death of a loved one (including a pet, miscarriage)
- Relationship loss which leads to changes and loss of roles/aspect of self
- Development loss, moving house, changing schools, retirement
- Loss of a treasured object, photos, family heirloom
- Secondary losses that occur because of the primary loss i.e. losing a partner may impact financial security, family structures, family roles
- Health loss due to an injury, accident, or medical condition
Grief symptoms
- Sadness
- Yearning & pining
- Anger & confusion
- Guilt & remorse
- Loneliness
- Numbness
- Feelings of disbelief
- Sleep & appetite disturbances
- Fatigue
- Social withdrawal
- Digestive problems
Self-care strategies for grief and loss
- Allow yourself time to grieve, there is no healing time frame
- Acknowledge that grief is a normal human process
- Connect with your emotions, write down what you are experiencing
- Be kind to yourself, treat yourself (massage, nature walks, movies, music)
- Stay connected with friends and family
- Limit alcohol & drugs
- Create positive, loving memories
- Look after your health, exercise, and eat well
- Understand that others may not know what to say to you. They may have the best intentions but fail to express them.
- Develop a consistent pattern of sleep
These reactions to loss are quite normal and natural, and in most cases a necessary part of the grieving process. Counselling can help you understand that grief is not a problem that needs to be solved, but a human experience that requires support, validation, acceptance, and recognition. Our Melbourne grief and loss counsellors are here to support you during your most challenging times, helping you navigate through grief or loss.
Contact us to book a 15 minute introductory call to see if our counselling services can help you achieve the outcome you desire.