Grief and Bereavement: Understand, Process and Honour Loss

Grief is the emotional and psychological response to losing someone significant. Bereavement refers to the period of mourning and adjustment following that loss. Everyone grieves in their own way and time, and there is no single path through the experience.

In Australia, most people will experience the death of a loved one during their lifetime. Whether sudden or expected, the loss can leave a deep and lasting impact. Understanding grief and receiving support can help ease the pain and promote healing.

What is Grief and Bereavement

Grief is a normal and natural response to loss. It can affect every part of a person’s life, including their emotions, thoughts, behaviours, physical health and spiritual beliefs.

Bereavement is the process of adjusting to life after a loss. While grief does not follow a set timeline, many people move through stages such as shock, sadness, anger, guilt, acceptance and meaning-making.

Grief may be experienced after:

• The death of a loved one
• Miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss
• Loss of a pet
• Separation or divorce
• A diagnosis of terminal illness in a loved one
• Loss of cultural connection or homeland

Types of Grief

Not all grief looks the same. Some types include:

• Anticipatory grief: grieving before a loss, such as during a terminal illness
• Disenfranchised grief: when a loss is not publicly acknowledged or socially supported
• Complicated grief: when intense grief persists over a long period and interferes with daily life
• Cumulative grief: when multiple losses occur close together and overwhelm a person’s ability to cope

Common Reactions to Grief

Grief responses vary widely between individuals and can include:

• Emotional pain such as sadness, anger, guilt, longing or numbness
• Physical symptoms like fatigue, chest tightness or appetite changes
• Cognitive effects including confusion, memory issues or disbelief
• Behavioural changes such as withdrawal, restlessness or avoiding reminders
• Sleep disturbances or vivid dreams
• Spiritual questioning or loss of meaning

These responses are normal, even when they feel overwhelming or confusing.

Myths about Grief

Myth: Grief should follow set stages
Truth: While some people move through stages, grief is not linear. People may move back and forth between emotions over time.

Myth: You should be over it in a few months
Truth: There is no deadline for grief. Some losses stay with us forever, even as we learn to live with them differently.

Myth: Talking about the loss makes it worse
Truth: Expressing grief through talking, writing or rituals can help process emotions and promote healing.

Why Seeking Help Matters

While grief is a natural process, some people may feel stuck, isolated or overwhelmed by their experience. Support from a psychologist can:

• Provide a safe space to process complex emotions
• Help make sense of the loss and adjust to a changed life
• Identify when grief has become complicated or prolonged
• Support people through anniversaries, milestones or unresolved goodbyes
• Strengthen coping strategies and resilience

How MeHelp Psychology Can Assist You

Our psychologists offer compassionate and evidence-based support for grief and bereavement. We understand that every person and every loss is unique. Our approach may include:

• Grief counselling for children, teens and adults
• Support with anticipatory or complicated grief
• Narrative therapy to process the story of loss and preserve memories
• Mindfulness and grounding techniques to manage distress
• Guidance for families navigating collective loss
• Support for grief related to miscarriage, stillbirth or loss of a child
• Collaboration with palliative care, hospitals or schools where needed

Real-Life Example

Margaret, 62, sought support after the sudden death of her husband. She felt lost, tearful and unable to concentrate. With support from a MeHelp psychologist, she was able to talk through her memories, express her anger and sadness, and gradually re-engage in meaningful activities. She continues to miss her husband deeply but has found ways to honour his memory and care for herself.

Practical Steps You Can Take Today

• Give yourself permission to grieve in your own way and time
• Reach out to someone you trust, even just to talk or sit together
• Write about your thoughts, feelings or memories
• Create a ritual to honour your loved one’s life
• Join a grief support group or community network
• Allow yourself to rest, cry or laugh when it comes naturally
• Seek help if you feel stuck, disconnected or unable to cope

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it normal to still be grieving after many months or years
Yes. There is no right time frame for grief. Some people experience waves of sadness for years, especially after the loss of a child, partner or parent.

Can children benefit from grief counselling
Absolutely. Children may express grief through behaviour rather than words. A psychologist can help them understand the loss and develop healthy coping skills.

How do I support someone who is grieving
Listen without trying to fix. Offer practical support, be present, and respect their need for space or silence. Avoid telling them how they should feel or act.

Can grief turn into a mental health issue
Sometimes. If grief leads to persistent depression, anxiety or difficulty functioning in daily life, professional support can help address both the grief and underlying distress.

Take the First Step

Grief is a reflection of love and connection. You do not have to walk through it alone. Whether your loss was recent or long ago, MeHelp Psychology offers gentle and effective support to help you heal.

Book a session today and begin your journey toward understanding, remembering and living again.