The experience of grief is one that all of us will face at some point in our lives, and is a completely natural and normal response to loss.
Whilst we most commonly associate the loss of a loved one with feelings of grief, other events can cause these same feelings. These can include the loss of employment, a relationship breakdown, loss of a friendship, illness, and the loss of a pet.
One thing to remember when we experience a loss is that it is a deeply personal experience, rarely following a predictable schedule, and presenting unique reactions for each individual. Grief is not a linear process, and most often people experience grief in waves of emotion.
You may encounter a range of emotions as a result of grief and may experience a number of the following:
- Sadness
- Anxiety
- Guilt or remorse
- Anger or irritability
- Frustration
- Numbness or shock
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lack of energy and motivation
- Ambivalence
It is important to remember that it is normal to experience a range of emotions following a loss, and to be patient with yourself and how grief presents for you.
Whilst feelings associated with grief generally ease in time, seeing a Psychologist can help by assisting you to process your feelings, implement strategies to help you cope with the loss you have experienced, and provide emotional support during a difficult time.