Dealing with Grief
This year during the Covid19 pandemic, we know that those grieving at home, have endured a myriad of restrictions and limitations that have profoundly affected their grief. The bereaved have not been able to reach out to family and friends for a much-needed hug and human connection has been incredibly difficult. This has caused a great deal of trauma and distress. However, distance should not prevent us from reaching out to others and sharing our grief wherever and whenever we can.
In This Section
What is grief?
Grief is a natural emotional state which can encompass a wide range of challenging and painful feelings. Grief is a normal reaction to bereavement and is probably the most serious loss that anyone will have to cope with in their life. It leaves the majority of people requiring support and advice to help them manage their distress and adjustments to possible life changes triggered by loss.
Grieving is a highly individual experience, there are no right or wrong ways to grieve and how somebody grieves depends on many factors. These can include personalities, coping skills, life experiences, faith and how significant the loss was.
Grief is often misunderstood and overlooked which can result in bereaved people feeling lost and alone. Grief can affect you mentally, emotionally and physically and in some cases may affect relationships with others which can all contribute to possible risks to health and wellbeing.
Sleeping, eating or even thinking straight are likely to be difficult but are all normal reactions when dealing with grief. It is natural to feel sad, depressed, worried or angry but it’s not always easy to recognise when bereavement, grief or loss are the reason you’re acting or feeling differently.
If you are grieving
Know that there are no time limits on grief so be patient and kind to yourself as you process the emotions connected with your loss.
Sometimes it will be hard to talk to friends or family members about how you feel. There are lots of support groups, councillors and charities both locally and nationally that are there to listen to you, talk to you and to help you understand your feelings.
Resources:
‘Grief can be complicated, but access to support should never be’
Linda Magistris CEO/Founder thegoodgrieftrust.org
Local Support – Bridgend Bereavement
NHS – Information and resources for coping with bereavement
NHS Wales – Bereavement Liaison Support Service
The Good Grief Trust – A national charity run by bereaved people for bereaved people
The Samaritans – For whatever you are going through
Supporting friends or family who are grieving
It is really important for friends and family to support those who are grieving. Don’t be worried about saying or doing the wrong thing, by simple being there to talk to and to listen you will be helping to make them feel loved and supported on their difficult journey ahead.
Video Support
Let’s talk about death and dying
Word from our GP
Grief is a perfectly normal reaction to the loss of someone or something. It can manifest itself in many ways, impacting on us both emotionally and physically. Your experience of grief will be unique and no one can assume or tell you how you should feel. I think of grief as an incredibly difficult journey that you’ll need help to navigate. So remember “it’s ok not to be ok” and “never be afraid to ask for help”! As well as the above resources https://www.cruse.org.uk/ is a very useful website for information and support.
Dr Neil Geraghty, Bridgend Group Practice