This article is featured in South Burnett Today and is republished with permission.
Grief is our natural reaction to the loss of someone or something that is important to us.
The way we feel and react after the loss varies from person to person.
Lifeline states that is common to experience grief after a variety of situations including:
- The death of a loved one
- Suicide bereavement
- The loss or death of a pet
- Experiencing pregnancy loss
- Relationship breakdowns, estrangements, and divorce
- Job loss or career change
- Moving to a new location
- Natural disasters
- Changes in mental and physical health.
While grieving is a natural process, it can be a painful experience that impacts us mentally, emotionally and physically.
The Australian Psychological Society provides some tips to help with grief and loss.
When it comes to helping yourself through grief, APS advises:
- Where possible, participate in bereavement activities such as planning and attending a funeral/memorial service, or engaging in cultural customs or social rituals which are associated with the loss.
- Remember to ask for help if you need it; don't be afraid to speak up and admit that you are struggling to cope with your loss.
- Be honest with family and friends about how you are feeling and be open to accepting their help.
- Allow yourself time to grieve your loss.
- Talk with others who share a similar experience; joining a bereavement support group (in person or online) can be helpful.
- Take care of your physical health; participate in regular exercise, eat healthy meals, limit alcohol use, and continue to attend medical check-ups.
- Participate in enjoyable activities, hobbies, and interests as much as you can.
- Try to maintain normal sleep patterns.
- Practice relaxation or mindfulness activities to help calm the mind and body.
- Reflect on your religious or spiritual beliefs.
When it comes to helping someone else through a time of loss and grief:
- Provide practical support, such as helping with funeral arrangements, assisting with housework and meal preparation, and buying groceries.
- Support the person emotionally; providing comfort and reassurance, talking about the person's loss, listening with compassion, or sharing memories are important to the healing process.
- Be a source of information support, such as financial advice, or helping the person understand how and/or why the loss occurred.
- Do not just focus on the person's loss; talk about everyday life and current affairs.
- Check in with the person weeks, and even months, after the loss to show you still care.
- Suggest that they speak to a professional if their grief does not seem to be lessening over time or they are struggling to function.