Grief and Loss Grief is a natural reaction to loss. It is the emotional pain that you experience when taken away something or someone you love. Sometimes the pain of loss can feel unbearable. You can feel all sorts of hard and unpredictable emotions, from shock or indignation to disbelief, remorse, and deep sadness. Pain and grief can also disrupt your physical wellbeing, making it hard to sleep, think or even think straight. Grief is usually described in 5 stages:
Denial: “This can’t be happening to me.”
Anger: “Why is this happening? Who is to blame?”
Bargaining: “Make this not happen, and in return I will ____.”
Depression: “I’m too sad to do anything.”
Acceptance: “I’m at peace with what happened
Emotional symptoms of grief
Shock and disbelief
Sadness
Guilt
Anger
Fear
Physical symptoms of grief
Fatigue
Nausea
Lowered immunity
Weight loss or weight gain
Aches and pains
Insomnia People in our community can contact Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation, Drug and Alcohol Service at 08 8672 5255 for help.
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