What is

Grief & Loss

Grief is explained above and Loss situations can be caused by many differing life events, eg:

• death of a loved one,
• divorce and separation,
• problematic relationships,
• ill health

In fact, almost any significant life change or occurrence.

It may be difficult to talk to family and friends about how you are feeling, but you are aware that you need to share these feelings with someone.

Perhaps the right person could be a counsellor who is trained to respond to someone in your situation?

The Grief & Loss Reaction is Healthy & Normal, but some distressing symptons can be:

• Shock and numbness
• Uncontrollable crying
• Confusion and lack of concentration
• Feelings of isolation, wanting to close off
• Feelings that no one understands you
• Anger and irritability
• Depression
• Apathy and lack of motivation
• Feeling guilty, often with no logical reason
• Being unable to cope with life
• Being unable to make decisions
• Constantly changing moods
• Unable to sustain relationships
• Disturbed sleeping and eating patterns

How Long Will I Feel Like This?

No one can give you an answer to this question because each person's experience of the process is unique to them.  But if your symptons of grief and loss have become unmanageable and are preventing you from living your everyday life in a reasonable way, THEN SEEK HELP.

REMEMBER:

• Your GP knows you well and should be kept informed of any loss of well-being you are experiencing
• Church Ministers are experienced in providing support after death
• Befriending organisations are very helpful in terms of loss
• Dedicated help lines give an immediate response to callers
• Counselling, as outlined in the Department of Health booklet "Choosing Talking Therapies", is advocated by most GP's as an effective form of help for many people