Grief and loss

It is natural to feel grief when you have lost someone or something. It can also be a response to change or an ending. Grief is accompanied by many feelings and emotions which can sometimes conflict with each other. Loss is one of the most challenging experiences in our lives and can feel emotionally and physically overwhelming.

Loss can include

• Death of a loved one or pet
• Losing your job
• Retirement
• End of a relationship or friendship
• Losing physical or mental ability
• A miscarriage
• Losing your dreams or future
• Losing your home
• Moving to another city or country
• Financial loss

Recognising the signs

• Profound sadness and crying
• Shock and disbelief
• Anger
• Guilt
• Loss of appetite
• Disturbed sleep
• Lack of concentration and focus
• Exhaustion and tiredness
• Numbness
• Lack of motivation
• Impaired day to day functioning
• Feeling detached from people and the world 

The Grieving Process

How you grieve is personal to you and there is no right or wrong way of grieving or experiencing loss. Grief can be experienced physically, emotionally and can also affect our mental health. Hearing about a loss may make you feel in a state of shock - even though you might have been prepared for it. It can also make us feel overwhelmed and therefore have an impact on our ability to function.

Seeking Support

If you are concerned about your grieving process or would like a safe and confidential space to express more difficult feelings and emotions then you can contact the RCN to set up a telephone counselling appointment. See RCN Counselling for more details.

If you would like more in depth information about grief or would prefer support locally, then please refer to Cruse Bereavement Care.