Grief and loss
Feelings of loss and grief can be really strong when you lose something or someone. You might experience a range of emotions and wonder if the pain of your loss will ever fade. No one can tell you how to feel or how to grieve but it can help to talk about it and get support from the people who care about you.
The intensity of our grief, how long it lasts, and our reactions to it will differ from person to person. Some common reactions include:
- feeling sad or down
- frequent crying
- shock, denial, numbness
- stress, anxiety, confusion, exhaustion
- anger, guilt, shame, blame or even relief
- loneliness, isolation and withdrawal
- feeling or acting differently to usual
- physical health problems – headaches, changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- difficulty concentrating
- not enjoying usual activities and hobbies
- tension or problems with personal relationships
- increased alcohol, smoking or drug use
- feeling hopeless or like you can’t go on – thoughts of suicide or self-harm
For more information on getting help with feelings of grief and loss please refer to Lifeline.