GRIEF IS A NATURAL RESPONSE TO A LOSS, WHETHER IT’S THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE, THE END OF A SIGNIFICANT RELATIONSHIP OR EVEN THE LOSS OF A CHERISHED PERSONAL ITEM

Are you having:

Burdensome and intrusive memories of the death or dying of a loved one? Although “normal” a frightening experience.

Family conflict or relationship breakdowns? These exacerbated feelings and reactions of grief can make it harder to cope.

Worrying thoughts and memories about past grief, loss or crises?

Are you feeling vulnerable because of earlier experiences of depression or anxiety and worried about going back there?

Grief is a natural reaction following a significant loss. The loss can be the end of an important relationship or the death of someone close to you. Feelings of grief can also come about when you lose a valued personal item or when you move away from a particular house, suburb, country, or place of employment.

Grief often brings feelings of separation, searching, and anxiety, making it hard to believe that a loved one is truly gone. In grief, these feelings can be incredibly intense, sometimes feeling like abandonment. People who are grieving can feel very alone, even when surrounded by others who may not know what to say or how to offer support. Feelings of guilt, along with questions of ‘why’ and ‘if only,’ can be some of the most painful and persistent aspects of grief. These feelings can lead to anger directed at oneself, others, or even the person who has died.

The death of a loved one can sometimes be peaceful and expected, bringing mixed feelings of sadness and relief that their suffering has ended. However, sometimes death is sudden or happens sooner than expected. In some cases, it may be traumatic, leaving difficult memories of the loved one's suffering and pain. These experiences can be profoundly shocking, and the distress can linger for many weeks and months. It is expected to feel sadness and grief when a loved one passes away, but an intense and persistent yearning or longing for the deceased person and a sense that life is now meaningless are usually signs of complicated grief.

Although grief is "normal" when it persists and casts a shadow over your day-to-day life for an extended period, it’s probably worth getting professional support. There's no substitute for a personalised face-to-face assessment with an accredited mental health professional. We can help you make sense of your grieving and can provide support and guidance to help manage the painful feelings of loss so that you’re able to function once again.