Grief and Loss

Everyone will experience grief and loss at some time in their life. Grief occurs in response to any type of loss, bereavement however is specifically in relation to the loss of a loved one. Types of loss include:

• Loss of a job
• Loss of a friendship
• Loss of health
• Loss of a loved one
• Loss of financial stability
• Miscarriage
• Retirement
• Death of a pet

When someone experiences grief or bereavement it is normal to have feelings of loss. However if this continues longer than the natural healing process you may need some support to process these feelings. How someone copes with loss can be affected by a number of factors including past experiences of loss, social support, beliefs and the significance of the loss. Loss can lead to a range of emotions including anger, denial and sadness. Therapy can support you to process the loss and finds new ways to cope.

Everyone manages grief in their own way. Some people are able to process the loss after 6 months and move forward. For others the feelings of grief can go on longer. Grief can be complicated by how much the person was dependent on the departed. A person never fully gets over their grief but most people can function normally after a year. If symptoms last longer than this then the person may be suffering from 'complicated grief'.