Bereavement, Loss and the Many Faces of Grief

Benjamin Franklin once said that the only thing certain in life – apart from taxes – is death, and by extension so is grief. Psychologists used to think they had this elusive emotion all figured out; you’ve probably heard about the ‘five stages of grief’ at some point or another. As time has gone on though, the general consensus is that grief has been grossly misunderstood, with people experiencing it in numerous ways and at differing times after losing a loved one.

In this article, we explore the ways grief can present itself, as well as the support and resources available for those who are experiencing it.

Grief is a Deeply Personal Experience

Although the ‘five stages’ theory may not hold as much water as it used to, the idea that grief can present itself as a number of other emotions remains valid.

Denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance are all common reactions to grief, but the idea that everyone will cycle through these stages in a prescribed order is simply not true. Some may experience one, all, or none of these, along with a range of other emotions that are too numerous to list.

As strange as it may sound, grief is rather like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get until you experience it first-hand.

Talking About Grief and Bereavement

For those overwhelmed by grief, it can sometimes be beneficial to speak to a qualified therapist in order to work through bereavement and come to terms with the feeling of loss.

Help doesn’t always come in the form of professionals though. Sometimes, the most meaningful guidance can come from those who’ve lived through loss themselves, like friends, relatives, neighbours or support group members who have walked this road before and emerged scarred but still standing.

At a time when everything feels uncertain, knowing you’re not alone in your grief can be nothing short of a lifeline.

Online Grief Support and Resources

In our digital age, a wealth of support and information is just a few clicks away. From expert advice articles to forums where people share their own stories of loss, the internet can be an invaluable resource.

Platforms such as The Good Grief Trust offer virtual grief counselling, community support groups or directories of local counsellors, while others provide inspiration for memorials or other activities that can help grieving individuals find closure. Whatever your question or concern, chances are someone else has had it too and the answer will be waiting for you on the web.

You're Not Alone in Grief

Grief and loss can leave even the most sociable of us feeling alone and isolated. It’s crucial to remember that we all respond differently to loss. There’s no right way to experience emotions after a bereavement, and you should feel comfortable grieving in whatever way feels right for you. For those experiencing loss, it’s also important to realise that you’re never alone; whether confiding in friends, using online self-help groups or seeking professional guidance, there’s a wealth of information and support out there to help get you through this difficult time.