Rachael Kane

GRIEF AND LOSS

Grief is the emotion we feel when an important relationship ends (or is interrupted). Commonly the ending is caused by death, but grief can also be experienced when a relationship ends as a result of divorce or relocation, to give a few examples. We don’t grieve for all lost relationships, only those that have, for one reason or another, become meaningful to us over time. People grieve in different ways. For some people, grief is easily overcome, for other it takes a long time to pass through the grieving process. Each individual grieves in a way which suits them, their emotions and the extent of their loss. Grief ends when we have recovered from the heightened sense of loss for the other per son or thing, and we find we are able to function normally without them.

FEELING IT

Typically a therapist will encourage the grieving person to share their thoughts and feelings about the loss, and encourage them to engage with life in a way which helps them to recover from their grief. Psychologists generally agree that medication is not an appropriate way to deal with one’s grief as they can interfere with the emotional processing of the loss, as well as risk addiction.

COPING WITH IT

Loss can be devastating, and grief is always painful. However grief is a normal reaction to significant loss and, with the right support, it will pass. If you or someone you know is grieving (either from a recent or past loss), don’t be afraid to seek support from a bereavement counsellor as a way of helping you through this difficult time.