Grief and Loss
Grief is a natural response to loss. It is usually thought of as a reaction to the loss of a loved one, but it can also occur after a wider range of events. This loss can involve a person, place, object, or situation which an individual has developed a significant attachment to.
Common events which lead to grief include:
Loss of a loved one – through death or separation
Separation or divorce
Onset of disability or illness
Loved one’s onset or disability or illness
Miscarriage
A loved one experiencing serious illness or disability
Loss of employment
Symptoms
Grief is often described as an overwhelming feeling that can feel like it is taking over your entire life, but every person has their own way of dealing with it. This feeling can influence wide aspects of an individual – their physical, emotional, behavioural, cognitive and spiritual wellbeing.
Some of the common ways which grief can present include:
Sadness
Confusion
Helplessness
Shock and disbelief
Denial
Anger
Feelings of guilt
Fear
Changes to sleeping patterns
Difficulties concentrating
Preoccupied thoughts about the loss
Anxiety about the future
There is no right or wrong way to experience grief. Some people find it helpful to talk about their grief experience and their feelings, others prefer time alone to process what has happened. Most often, after grief lessens over time you learn to cope with the loss. However, grief can still be strongly felt a long time after the loss has occurred. These feelings might be consistent, or you may go a long time without having felt the grief. Each individual will learn to cope with their loss differently.
Next Steps
If you have suffered from a loss and having some difficulty coping, seeing a psychologist may help you to adjust. A psychologist can help by listening to your story, gaining an understanding of your loss and what this has meant for you, and helping you to find ways to cope through the grieving period.
Book your appointment
If you would like support to cope with your loss and feelings of grief you can contact us at Your Psych Centre via phone, email or drop in to our office to arrange to meet with one of our trained psychologists for a confidential discussion.
No referral is needed to make an appointment. However, you can arrange for an appointment with your GP to discuss your mental health and the support which is available. If you are eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan, your GP can provide this to you to bring along to your session which will allow you to access a rebate through Medicare.
In an emergency
If you are in need of urgent support you can contact a number of different 24 hour mental health services for immediate support:
| Lifeline | 13 11 14 |
| Mental Health Line | 1800 011 511 |
| Kids Helpline | 1800 551 800 |
or contact your local doctor or hospital.