Information about grief, including their symptoms, potential treatments, useful tips you can try now and into the future, and how to seek professional help.
Emotional Wellbeing
Let’s talk about grief
Overview
Grief is an intense emotional response to loss, typically following the death of a loved one, but it can also arise from other significant life changes. It’s a process that involves a range of emotions, thoughts, and behaviours as we adapt to life without someone or something important to us. Grief is not a linear process, it can ebb and flow, varying in intensity over time. Understanding grief as a normal, albeit challenging, part of life can help us approach it with more compassion for ourselves and others.
Symptoms
Common signs of grief
Recognising the signs of grief is an essential step in processing loss and beginning the healing journey. While everyone experiences grief differently, there are some common patterns and manifestations that can help us understand what we’re going through. Understanding these signs can help normalise our experience and remind us that we’re not alone in our feelings.
Intense sadness or emotional pain
This core symptom of grief can feel like waves washing over you unexpectedly.
Feelings of emptiness or numbness
Sometimes the mind protects itself by temporarily shutting down emotional responses.
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Grief can cloud your thinking and make simple choices feel overwhelming.
Changes in sleep patterns
Your body’s stress response might disrupt normal sleep-wake cycles.
Changes in appetite or weight
Emotional distress often affects our relationship with food and eating habits.
Irritability or anger
These emotions are natural reactions to loss and feeling out of control.
Social withdrawal
You might feel the need to step back from others while processing grief.
Physical symptoms like fatigue or body aches
Emotional pain can manifest as real physical discomfort in your body.
Treatments
What Helps
Several approaches can help manage grief effectively. Individual counselling or therapy provides a safe space to process emotions, while support groups connect you with others sharing similar experiences. Mindfulness and meditation can help ground you in the present moment, while regular exercise releases endorphins and provides emotional relief. Many find solace in creative expression through art, music, or writing. Maintaining connections with supportive friends and family is crucial, as is establishing healthy routines to provide structure during difficult times. Professional services like grief counselling or bereavement support can offer specialised guidance when needed.
Tips & Tricks
Try for today
Let’s focus on what you can do right now, manageable and simple strategies that can help you navigate through the day. Here are some suggestions for “Try for today”:
Tips & Tricks
Try for tomorrow
For tomorrow, consider planning a small activity or outing that brings you joy, even if it’s just a short walk in a favourite place. Make an effort to reach out to one person in your support network – a simple text or call can help you feel more connected. Set aside time for gentle physical activity like stretching or yoga, which can help both body and mind. Try to create one small, achievable goal for the day to maintain a sense of purpose. Practice a mindfulness exercise or breathing technique to stay grounded, and consider listening to music or calming sounds that bring you comfort. Remember that each small step forward is progress, even if it doesn’t feel that way in the moment.
Seek Help
When to seek professional help
While grief is a normal process, there are times when professional help may be necessary. You should consider seeking professional support if you find yourself feeling stuck in intense grief for an extended period, having difficulty functioning in daily life, or experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Additionally, if you notice yourself using unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse, feeling overwhelmed by guilt or regret, or completely isolating yourself from all social support, these are important signs that professional assistance could be beneficial.
Dr Stephanie Stewart
Psychologist
Stephanie is an AHPRA-registered Psychologist, and is dedicated to helping individuals lead fulfilling lives. Learn more about Dr Stephanie
