Grief is a natural response to loss. It might be the loss of a loved one, relationship, pregnancy, pet, job or way of life. Other experiences of loss may be due to children leaving home, infertility and separation from friends and family. The more significant the loss, the more intense the grief is likely to be.
Grief is expressed in many ways and it can affect every part of your life; your emotions, thoughts and behaviour, beliefs, physical health, your sense of self and identity, and your relationships with others. Grief can leave you feeling sad, angry, anxious, shocked, regretful, relieved, overwhelmed, isolated, irritable or numb.
Grief has no set pattern. Everyone experiences grief differently. Some people may grieve for weeks and months, while others may describe their grief lasting for years. . You may become worried that your family and friends don’t want to hear your story anymore. Or you may find that other people give you their expectations on when you should feel better, or when you should stop talking about it. Or have other unrealistic expectations of what you should be capable of.
Grief counselling may provide hope and comfort during one of the most confusing and crisis filled time of your life.