When you lose someone, more often than not, the feeling of grief and loss takes a long time to process and even longer to accept.
One doesn’t only experience it because of the death of a loved one, but also for other losses that could be experienced, such as the loss of someone from your life, control or independence when becoming disabled or when you lose your physical health due to persistent or terminal illness. It could extend to feelings of loss when your children grow up and leave home or even financial loss.
It can have a detrimental effect on your general well-being and consume your thoughts to such an extent that it takes over your day-to-day life and starts affecting your relationships.
You might feel teary and sad, whereas the next person might feel angry and resentful. Everyone experiences it differently and grieves in their own way.
Some ways to make it just that little bit better:
- Spend some time alone and have a good cry – it is a normal response.
- Get some ‘me’ time and pamper yourself
- Join a support group or talk to a friend you can trust
- Get your mind off it by doing things you like, such as training, shopping or meeting up with friends, going for a walk or listening to your favourite music
If you need professional or emergency assistance, you can talk to someone by calling these helplines:
Lifeline – call 13 11 14 (Australia-wide crisis support and suicide prevention service)
Beyondblue – call 1300 224 636 for support for issues relating to anxiety and depression.
Look after yourself!
