Grief and Loss

WHAT IS GRIEF?

Grief is the natural emotional response to the loss of someone close, such as a family member or friend. Grief can also occur after a serious illness, a relationship breakdown, or even moving to a new city, away from friends and loved ones.

Grief often involves intense sadness, and can also include feelings of shock, denial, anger or numbness. The passing of time usually lessnes these feelings, and they are normal.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

• Sadness and crying a lot
• Numbness and lack of emotion
• Sense of unreality
• Anger or disbelief
• Physical exhaustion, weak immune system, illnesses such as colds and stomach upsets
• Isolation
• Depression

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Give yourself time
• Don' t try to push down your feelings, give yourself space to feel and heal
• Talk to people, stay connected, accept help
• Look after your health, eat regularly and try to get sleep
• If you are feeling overwhelmed - GET HELP - here