BEREAVEMENT

The death of someone close may be the greatest loss we will ever encounter. Grief is our response to loss and the many different ways we grieve are unique for each person. The grieving process is a normal and natural aspect of being human.

Grief usually ebbs and flows, has no time limit and may affect us on different levels such as:

Emotions
sadness, shock, anger, disbelief, numbness, relief, guilt, anxiety, helplessness, emptiness, loneliness, regrets, panic and confusion.

Thoughts
“I think I’m going crazy”, “I wish it had been me”, “it’s not real”, “what’s life about?”, “I have no meaning”, “I can’t make any decisions”, “I can’t remember anything” or “I don’t want to be here anymore”.   

Physical responses
sleep disturbance, decreased/increased hunger, physical exhaustion, increased bodily aches and pains, tightness/choking in throat, chest pain/pressure or discomfort, headaches and trembling. You may need to consult your GP if physical discomfort continues.

Behavioural responses
searching for the person who has died, being restless and on edge, withdrawing from family and friends, lack of motivation, tearfulness, increase in interpersonal tensions or conflict, increase in drugs/alcohol or other self harm behaviours and avoiding places that remind you of the person who has died.

Spiritual beliefs
some people find that they lose faith in their spiritual beliefs and others often gain new strength from their beliefs. Some may have extraordinary experiences about the person who died, such as a sense of their presence or special dreams about them.  

Many people manage grief with the help of family and friends while others may need to access formal bereavement support. Family members often grieve in very different styles that sometimes increase confusion and family tension. If you are experiencing ongoing difficulties and emotional pain it may be helpful to consider formal bereavement support.

Contact PHS for further information.


USEFUL PHONE CONTACTS
Griefline (noon to 3am) - 9596 7799
Lifeline - 13 11 14
Suicide Helpline - 1300 651 251
Mensline - 1300 789 978
Kids Help Line - 1800 551 800
Compassionate Friends (24hr) - 9888 4944
Compassionate Friends - 1800 641 091        
Sids - 1800 240 400
Very Special Kids - 9804 6222
Support After Suicide- Jesuit Social Services - 9427 7388

USEFUL LINKS