When we hear the word grief, we often make the immediate link with death. But there are many circumstances in our day to day life that create grief:
- Relationships: separation, divorce, boy/girlfriend breakup, broken friendship.
- Loss of role: jobless, retrenchment, retirement, ‘empty-nest’, becoming or ceasing being a carer.
- Health issues: cancer diagnosis or other illness, loss of limb, sight, hearing, bodily function, infertility, disability.
- Loss of possessions: home, money, personal possessions through bankruptcy, natural disaster, divorce, gambling or addiction.
- Dementia: losing the person we once knew.
- Ageing: loss of independence, mobility, choices, eyesight, hearing and general good health.
- Loss of the future: unfulfilled hopes, plans and dreams.
When you are grieving, you can help yourself by:
- Being real about how you feel, try not to pretend you are okay or hide your true feelings.
- Finding a way of expressing how you feel.
- Talking to someone or writing in a journal.
- Accepting that grieving is nothing to be ashamed of, it’s all a necessary part of adapting to the changes in your life and learning how to manage what’s happened.
- Taking good care of yourself. Even though you may not feel like it, gentle exercise, daily walks, eating regular small meals, relaxation, listening to music, massage – these are all positive ways of nurturing yourself.
Download our Loss & Grief Self Care Factsheet here.
GET SUPPORT
- We understand that these may be difficult times for you and if you would like to feel supported by a professional, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us (03) 539 0066 or aloach@simplicity.co.nz
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