Grief is the reaction we experience when we lose someone close,
whether a family member or a friend.
Grieving is normal. It can happen immediately after a loss, and
also in the months and years that follow.
There is no 'right' way to grieve - everyone is different, and
will have different feelings and reactions to the loss. Grief is
affected by things like personality, your relationship to the
person, and the amount of support that you have.
Grief and disaster
When someone dies in a disaster like a flood or bushfire, it can
be even harder to cope with. Disasters are usually unexpected, so
you have no time to prepare. Disasters usually have an effect not
just on you, but also on your friends, family and community.
Dealing with the disaster itself can be difficult enough.
Dealing with the loss of friends or loved ones, the loss of your
home or school, or major disruptions to your life can add to the
emotional stress.
Feelings of grief
There are many types of reactions that can occur during
grieving. They can include:
- Shock and disbelief that the person has died
- Longing for the person - wishing they were around, to be able
to touch them or be comforted by them
- Feelings of anger or resentment - for being abandoned, for the
unfairness of the loss, or towards those seen as responsible for
the loss
- Feeling sad that the person has gone
- Guilt - for example that you were unable to save the person, or
that you survived while they did not
- Anxiety - about the future, about how things will be without
your loved one, or about your own safety
- Always thinking about the person who has died.
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes to your sleep patterns and appetite
Grieving can take time. It's not unusual to have ups and downs
over months or years when dealing with the death of a loved one.
Most people, though, are able to carry on with life while grieving.
Things usually get easier as time goes on, especially after the
first six months, and you gradually experience more good times and
less difficult times.
Things that might help in managing grief
- Accept your feelings. It's OK to feel sad about losing someone
special, and to take time in coming to terms with what has
happened. Losing someone is stressful and upsetting, and it's
normal to experience strong emotions.
- Allow yourself time to grieve and maybe to cry. You might need
a safe place at home or at school to go when you're especially
sad.
- Take time out. Being around other people can sometimes be
stressful and overwhelming, especially if they are also grieving.
Go for a walk, listen to some music, sit in a park or do something
enjoyable like shopping or going to a movie.
- Collect memories of your loved one in a way that feels right
for you. Perhaps write about them and the things you did with them.
Collect photos, make a scrap book or journal, create a website or
blog, write music or poetry, or create some artwork.
- Find a way to say goodbye in your own way and in your own time.
This might mean going to the funeral, writing them a letter, or
having a memorial service.
- Express your feelings in some way. Talking to others can be
helpful, but it's not the only way. For example, write about your
feelings, or use music or art to express your thoughts.
- Allow yourself to feel happy and to move on with your life
without feeling guilty. People sometimes feel bad if they let
themselves smile, or if they seem to be moving on. It doesn't mean
that you have forgotten the person you have lost. Your loved one
would have wanted good things in your life.
- Plan for times that may be hard, like Christmas or
anniversaries. Perhaps arrange to spend time with friends, do
something enjoyable for yourself, or mark the occasion in a way
which is meaningful for you.
What is complicated grief?
Most people who have lost someone special are able to process
their grief and slowly move forward with their lives. For some
people, though, grief lasts longer than usual, is severe, and gets
in the way of their everyday life.
'Complicated grief' describes grief which continues at a high
level and affects your function for at least six months. Signs of
complicated grief can include:
- Continuing, intense yearning for the person who has died
- Strong anger or guilt
- Difficulties in their relationships with others
- Problems with concentration, memory, sleeping, eating, school
or work.
Some people with complicated grief also have problems like
depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder, or even
think of suicide. These problems can be treated, but the person
needs a proper assessment by a health professional.
If you have thoughts of suicide or plans to harm yourself, it's
really important to seek immediate help. Talk to someone you trust,
or contact your local mental health service, crisis team or
hospital emergency department. They will help you to work out a
plan to keep safe.
Finding help
If your grief is continuing for a long time, or is very
upsetting, or is stopping you from getting on with life, then talk
to a health professional. Getting some help early can mean
that the problems can be dealt with before they become more
serious.
It's important to find someone you trust and feel comfortable
with. There are local doctors and other health professionals who
are experienced in working with young people who have experienced
grief and loss.
A good place to start might be your local community health
centre or headspace
centre. You could talk with a trusted friend, teacher or family
member about finding some help. It's important to remember that you
don't need to talk about the details of the experience if you don't
feel comfortable or safe to do so.
Acknowledgements
Raphael, B. (2010), 'Children, Adolescents and Families: Grief
and Loss in Disaster', Australian Child & Adolescent
Trauma, Loss & Grief Network, Australian National University,
Canberra.
ReachOut Australia
This information was produced thanks to the generous support
of the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund and has been developed in
collaboration with the Victorian Department of Health