Grief and Loss

Grief can occur as an emotionally intense response to a significant loss, such the loss of a home, a relationship or death. It can also be in response to work or health-related issues, the loss of possessions or simply the loss of a way of life. It is considered to be a natural human process of coping with loss which reduces over time, and can cause feelings of denial, emptiness and anger.

As we are all unique, grief can be experienced in different ways dependent upon many factors such as our available support networks, previous experiences and our worldviews/ beliefs. Perception and interpretation of grief is different for everyone, and we all respond and adapt our lives in different ways. It can be disconnecting and overwhelming for some, and the overall intensity can be determined by our relationship to the person or thing we have lost.

Grief can share similar features to depression including withdrawal, intense feelings of sadness and physical symptoms  such as a reduced appetite. Clinical depression is a mood disorder and often has no identifiable cause. Managing grief, which can be experienced in waves, often requires seeking support and learning strategies to help you move through the range of emotions that you might experience. Counselling can be highly beneficial in supporting you throughout your experience.

Complicated Grief (or Prolonged Grief Disorder) occurs when a person continues to feel grief for many months to years after their loss, along with experiencing extreme sadness, difficulty coping and other ongoing problems. 

For help and advice regarding Grief and Loss please Contact us.

For more information on Grief and Loss please see:

www.mygriefassist.com.au

Contact Lifeline 131114 or Seek Professional Help via your Doctor

Read: ‘Grief Demystified, an introduction’ by author Caroline Lloyd (2018).