Understanding Grief and How It Affects You

Understanding Grief and How It Affects You.pdf

Download PDF • 131KB

Practical ideas for recognising the impact of loss and learning to live with change

Grief can affect every part of life — thoughts, emotions, sleep, appetite, and relationships.

It’s not only sadness; it can bring confusion, anger, guilt, or numbness.

Understanding how grief works can help you make sense of what you’re feeling and find a gentler way through it.

• Grief is a natural response, not an illness

  • When someone important dies, your mind and body react to the loss. Grief shows that you have loved and that something precious has changed. It may feel painful and unfamiliar, but it’s part of the process of adapting to life without that person.

• Emotions may change from day to day

  • You might feel okay one moment and overwhelmed the next. These shifts are normal. Some days you may cry easily; other days you may feel detached or strangely calm. Grief rarely moves in a straight line — it comes and goes like waves.

• Grief affects the body as well as the mind

  • You might notice tiredness, tense muscles, headaches, or changes in sleep and appetite. This is your body’s reaction to loss and stress. Try to rest, eat small meals regularly, and spend time outdoors when possible.

• Memories can bring both comfort and pain

  • Remembering the person can cause deep sadness at first but may gradually bring warmth and connection. Allow yourself to recall stories, photos, or shared routines. Talking about memories helps you process and keep their presence in a new way.

• People grieve differently

  • Some want company and conversation; others need quiet or time alone. There is no correct way to grieve. Avoid comparing yourself to others — each person’s relationship and response is unique.

• Guilt and regret are common feelings

  • You might replay events or wish you’d said or done something differently. Try to remind yourself that everyone makes the best choices they can at the time. Speaking about these feelings with someone understanding can ease the burden.

• Grief takes the time it needs

  • There’s no set period for “getting over” a loss. The pain often softens gradually rather than disappearing completely. Over time, most people find they can think about the person with more peace than distress.

• Reflection questions

  • How does grief show itself for me — in thoughts, emotions, or physical changes?

  • Who or what helps me feel supported when waves of sadness come?

  • What memories bring me comfort, even if they also make me tearful?

• If grief feels too heavy

  • If sadness, guilt, or anxiety make daily life difficult for many weeks, speak with your GP or a counsellor. Support can help you understand your feelings and find steadier ground.

• You’re not alone

  • Grief is one of the hardest parts of being human, but you don’t have to face it in silence. With time, patience, and the right support, it’s possible to live alongside loss and rediscover moments of peace.

If you’d like to explore how professional support can help with emotional wellbeing in later life, click to visit the Counselling for Older People page.