The 23rd March marks the third National Day of Reflection here in the UK, and is a chance to come together, support those who are grieving, and take an opportunity to remember our loved ones who have died.
There are various national events happening around this day, and if you’d like to know about those you can find out more here National Day of Reflection | Marie Curie.
Although grief affects thousands of people every day, the journey each of those people takes can feel very different. What often unites them is a feeling they are walking the path alone. It doesn’t have to be that way though, and reaching out and connecting with others who are also grieving or seeking professional support can ease the path.
Grief, loss and bereavement can lead to many different thoughts and feelings, and affect people differently.
Feelings may not be there all the time, may appear unexpectedly, or may be provoked by things like a smell or a song coming at you over the course of your day. It is common to feel shock or numbness, especially in the early days. Overwhelming sadness, anger- perhaps towards the person you’ve lost or maybe around the loss itself, and guilt are also common reactions.
Talking about your loss and your feelings around it can be very helpful, and when you feel ready is the time to do it. There is no time limit or best moment. Creative therapies such as drawing, writing or journaling can also be supportive ways into dealing with your grief if talking feels difficult or you don’t know where to begin.
The images here on this post are ones made in response to grief and loss , and illustrate some of the directions this could take.
Counselling and psychotherapy around all forms of grief is offered at Physio &Therapies, and if you’d like to book an appointment to talk to someone you can contact us on 01706 819464.
Other places to find support for specific types of grief include-
Blue Cross (pet loss)- Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service | Pet Loss
TalkThru (pregnancy or baby loss)- Talkthru
SOBS (bereavement through suicide)
LGBT+ switchboard– Switchboard launches ‘Grief Encounters’ to support LGBTQ people who’ve experienced bereavement – Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard