Dealing with Grief and Loss

• the ending of a relationship
• moving or migrating
• losing a job, health, a pet, a role in life
• giving up something that mattered a lot
• losing a dream

Secondary losses - one loss can cause other secondary losses. These others may only become clear as time passes and may include:

• loss of income
• changed roles in the family
• loss of the family home
• loss of a planned future.

A loss, or something associated with the loss, may cause recurrent or on-going grief. Many things can be mixed up in people's experience of loss and change and add to a sense of confusion. If someone you love is dying in one of our hospitals and you would like to talk to someone, please ask the nursing staff to put you in touch with one of our social workers. Not only can they help you deal with your grief but they can aslo put you in touch with Support Groups and other services which might benefit you.

If you are dealing with grief or loss and would like some counselling support then arrange to see a social worker at one of our Community Health Centres. Social Workers provide advice and counselling for individuals and families who are experiencing problems dealing with and adjusting to significant life issues, events and changes, such as relationship breakdown, domestic abuse, family conflict, chronic illness, accidents, injuries, unemployment and deaths. Contact them through your nearest Community Health Centre, during business hours, Monday to Friday. No referral is required. Services are free.

The introductory information on this page copmes from the excellent Grieflink site which offers comprehensive information on this subject.