Grief, and the emotional responses that it brings, is both universal and unique. It is something that is part of the human experience, it is global, but it is also so deeply personal that the pain can, and in most cases does, feel isolating. The reason for this is because we don’t simply grieve at the raw pain of someone’s passing, we also grieve during other times of loss: divorce, illness, job loss, money worries, loss of a pet, the ending of a friendship, the behaviour of an older child, a loved one’s illness, and the loss of feeling safe after experiencing a trauma. Whilst these reasons may not seem as obvious, their pain can be just as acute.
There is no right or wrong way to experience grief, and there is no way of telling what your own response will be – they are simply your reactions, and that’s all.
This guide will walk you through the 5 Stages of Grief, give you coping strategies to deal with your emotions, and provide you with a list of charities who will be able to support you.
