Navigating Grief and Loss
Grief is a natural response to losing someone or something important. It is often connected with the death of a loved one, but grief can also follow many other forms of loss, such as relationship breakdown, separation, miscarriage, illness, loss of health, loss of identity, job loss, migration, family change, or major life transitions.
What grief can feel like?
There is no single “right” way to grieve. Some people feel sadness, shock, anger, guilt, numbness, confusion, or loneliness. Others may feel waves of emotion that come and go unexpectedly. Grief can also affect the body, including sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, and motivation.
Common experiences of grief
Common experiences of grief may include:
• Sadness, tearfulness, or emotional heaviness
• Shock, numbness, or disbelief
• Anger, guilt, regret, or self-blame
• Feeling disconnected from others
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
• Wanting to talk about the loss, or finding it too painful to talk
• Feeling that life has changed in a way that is difficult to explain
Grief does not follow a neat timeline. Some days may feel manageable, while other days may feel unexpectedly difficult. Anniversaries, birthdays, and daily routines can bring emotions back strongly. This does not mean you are going backwards; it simply means that the loss continues to matter.
Gentle ways to cope
Allow grief to move at its own pace. It cannot be rushed or forced. Give yourself permission to feel what you feel without judging yourself for grieving “too much” or “not enough”.
Stay connected where possible. Reaching out to one trusted person may help you feel less alone. Connection does not need to mean explaining everything; sometimes quiet support is enough.
Create small routines. Simple daily habits like eating something nourishing, going outside, or resting can offer steadiness and a sense of grounding when life feels disrupted.
Find ways to remember. Some people find comfort in rituals, memory boxes, writing, lighting a candle, or visiting meaningful places. Remembering can be part of a continuing connection, not simply “moving on”.
Be gentle with guilt and regret. Many people experience “what if” or “if only” thoughts during grief. Counselling can help you explore these feelings with compassion rather than becoming trapped in self-blame.
How counselling can help?
Counselling provides a safe space to talk about grief without pressure or judgement. It supports you in making sense of what has changed and finding ways to carry the loss while continuing to live.
At Lyra Counselling, grief support is gentle and paced around your needs. Counselling may help you:
• Feel heard and supported
• Understand the emotional impact of loss
• Process sadness, guilt, anger, or numbness
• Explore memories and meaning
• Adjust to life changes after loss
• Develop coping strategies for difficult days
• Reconnect with support, routine, and hope
When to seek extra support?
It may be helpful to seek extra support if grief feels overwhelming, if you feel unable to function day to day, or if it is affecting your sleep, relationships, work, parenting, or safety. Speaking with a GP, counsellor, or mental health professional can help you explore appropriate support.
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If you are navigating grief or loss, counselling may offer a gentle space to feel heard, supported, and understood.
Important note:
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for personalised mental health advice, diagnosis, or crisis support. If you are in immediate danger, please call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.
For crisis support in Australia, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
Sources
Griefline
https://griefline.org.au/
Healthdirect Australia
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/grief-loss