The thoughts, feelings and reactions we experience, when we’re faced with change and loss, whatever our age, are known as grief.
Change is a normal part of life. Some changes are positive, others we hardly notice, but some changes can be tough. We can find ourselves in situations we didn't expect, lose something or someone. These kinds of losses can turn our lives upside down, stress us, and take lots of getting used to. Grieving helps us adjust to the new reality.
How can we help ourselves, in times of grief?
- Allow yourself to grieve
- Remember you are allowed to grieve in your own way
- Expect emotional pain
- Learn about grief
- Be kind to yourself
- Remember you are not alone
- Expect some insensitivity from people
- Draw on your beliefs
- Be honest about your needs
- Consider seeing a grief Counsellor
- Allow yourself times to talk about the loss
- Find something, however small, to look forward to
- Keep decision making to a minimum for a good while
Grief can affect us emotionally, physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. Grief is a difficult thing to live with and live through. Looking for help and support makes sense, please see the other links in this section for more information on Loss and Grief.