BEREAVEMENT AND LOSS

Loss is an individual experience and cannot be measured by another person’s experience of loss. For example siblings could lose a parent and they will not experience the same levels of grief, as not every person grieves in the same way or at the same time. 

Grief comes in many forms there is no right or wrong way to grieve as we are all unique individuals. Losing a loved one can evoke a mixture of reactions for example:

· Shock

· Denial 

· Anger 

· Relief 

· Guilt 

· Numbness

· Feeling overwhelmed

· Bargaining

· Acceptance

Experiencing these emotions are normal and a natural part of grieving. A person who is grieving can flow in and out of each emotion at different times. The grieving process can also depend on the relationship you had with the person who has passed away, your culture, religious beliefs and your support network. 

If you do not have anyone you feel you can talk too or a good support network you could develop mental health issues for example: depression.

While grieving you may find other relationships change or become strained as some people do not know how to react to the roller coaster of emotions you are experiences and instead of supporting you they may avoid you. If this happens it can 

leave you feeling lost, isolated and even add to the pain and confusion you may be feeling. 

Talking therapy provides a safe space to talk about how you are feeling, a place to express the pain you are suffering without worrying about other people’s feelings or holding back on how you truly feel. Talking therapy can also help a person make sense of their bereavement by exploring ways to cope with the loss and move forward with their lives while they try to adjust to the loss. 

Other loses 

Loss could also include relationships, employment or repossession of your home. A person that experiences this kind of loss can also experience some or all of the emotions mentioned above and having a safe non-judgemental space to explore these emotional can help provide clarity and help a person find ways of coping and move forward.