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Coping with grief and loss is an experience that affects everyone differently. A person can experience grief and loss for many reasons; the death of a loved one, divorce, loss of independence, breaking up with your partner, or even moving to a new city.
Accept your Emotions
Grief allows us to accept loss and change in our lives. For our mental health we need to allow ourselves time to grieve so we can move forward and heal.
Common emotional responses to grief are sadness, frustration, anxiety, resentment, emptiness, disbelief, guilt and loneliness. Although it doesn't make it any easier to cope with the pain, feeling these emotions while experiencing a loss is normal.
Dont stop yourself from having a good cry either. Rather than think you "should" be feeling a certain way, accept the feelings you have. Sometimes, others may expect you to move on before you're ready, just remember you can take all the time you need to heal.
Preserve memories
If you or someone you know is coping with grief and loss, it can be helpful to celebrate their life and say goodbye when you feel ready.
Ideas to honour your loved one; plant a tree or garden, take part in a charity run, make a memory box, share stories with your family and friends, paint or create a photo album. Writing a gratitude letter is another sentimental way of thanking your loved one if they inspired you in life. Keep those qualities everyday to honour and remember them. Love, gratitude and meaning can help you through your grief and loss.
Talk about it when you can
With the support of friends and family, we find ways to adjust to our new normal and learn to live with grief and the emotions that come with it.
Sometimes people don't feel like talking and that's ok. Other ways to express your emotions and thoughts are by writing a letter, keeping a journal, writing a song or poem. You can do this yourself or share with others.
Support network
It takes time to adjust back to normal life after the loss of your loved one and it helps to have a strong supportive network of people in your life. Professional support such as grief counselling, therapists and support groups can help guide and manage your feelings of grief and loss.
It's important to understand that grief comes in many forms and the journey to heal will take us all on a different path. Grief emotions aren't good or bad, they just are… Help yourself move forward by accepting your emotions, preserving their memories and leaning on your support network.
'What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, For all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.' Helen Keller
To Find Support:
Beyond Blue provides Australians with information and support to improve their mental health. Call 1300 22 46 36 or visit beyondblue.org.au for more information.
Lifeline Australia provides Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support. Call 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au for more information.
GriefLine listens, cares and supports people experiencing loss and grief, at any stage in life. Call 1300 845... , 6am to midnight AEST, 7 days a week.
MensLine Australia is a professional telephone and online support and information service for Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours / 7 days a week.
Kids Helpline is a free 24/7, confidential and private counselling service Australia wide specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years. Call 1800 55 1800.
Life Supports Counselling provides Australians with experienced counsellors & psychologists in their local area Australia-wide. Call 1300 735... .
By Alana Dintinosante
