Grief
Grief is the natural reaction to loss, and can influence the physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioural and spiritual aspects of our lives.
Grief can be experienced in response to a variety of loss-related events, such as the death of a loved one, separation or divorce, the loss of a sense of safety or predictability, physical incapacity through disability, or the loss of one’s home or community due to disaster.
Feelings of grief can also emerge before an impending loss, such as when a loved one is experiencing a terminal illness, and this is known as ‘anticipatory grief’.
People cope with grief and loss in a variety of ways. While some might find it helpful to talk openly about the experience, others might prefer time alone. The intensity and duration of the grieving process can also differ between individuals. For most people, the experience of grief will dominate their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours for a number of weeks or months.
As time passes, most people learn to cope with their grief and go about their daily lives with support from others, although for many the loss will remain a part of them. Many people who experience loss will not need professional help, however others may seek and require professional support.
Grief is an individual experience and people can respond to loss in a variety of ways. Responses include emotional, cognitive, physical, relational/social and behavioural changes.
Emotional responses can include:
- sadness
- anger
- guilt and remorse
- anxiety
- loneliness
- helplessness
- shock and disbelief
- a sense of yearning
- relief.
Cognitive changes can include:
- confusion
- difficulty concentrating
- preoccupation with the loss
- a loss of interest in enjoyable activities
- vivid dreams or nightmares.
Physical and behavioural responses can include:
- muscle tightness
- tiredness/reduced energy
- sleep disturbances
- social withdrawal
- changes in appetite
- crying
- restlessness
- avoiding places or people who remind the individual of the loss
- treasuring objects that are associated with the loss.
In addition, there can be significant changes to a person’s spiritual or philosophical views and beliefs. For example, people may question their faith or the meaning of life.
Grieving is a difficult and challenging process. Its nature depends on a number of factors, such as the person’s coping style and personality, as well as the type of loss. However, regardless of the circumstances, losing a loved one can cause great pain and suffering.
Most people learn to manage their grief and adjust to their loss in their own time. Maintaining self-care activities and routines, and having adequate social support available, can be helpful during this time of adjustment. However, for people who experience prolonged or complicated grief reactions, a number of more targeted psychological treatments and strategies can be of great benefit, including navigating difficult thoughts and behaviours, complicated grief treatment, improving family relationships, and finding meaning.
Grief is a normal response to loss, and while many people will learn to adjust to the loss with the support of family, friends, and other important people, some individuals may require assistance by a psychologist to help them adjust to their loss and cope with their grief. Our Psychologists are trained and qualified professionals skilled in helping people with a range of wellbeing concerns and life experiences, including grief and loss.