We experience loss in many ways. It can be sudden, anticipated or traumatic. It can feel out of turn or unfair when it is a child that dies or the person is younger.

We can even experience grief in advance, particularly when facing expected losses due to illnesses like Dementia, cancer, MND, or lung disease, among others. With the recent approval of Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD), we might be aware ahead of time that we will lose someone we care about. However, this awareness does not lessen the intensity of our grief. Sometimes, we may also experience feelings of guilt or find it difficult to discuss the VAD process with others, fearing judgment.

When someone we care about is nearing the end of their life or has died, it is normal to feel sadness and grief. Though grief is expected, it does not mean it is easy. How we experience grief is often surprising and we may find we are unable to manage our emotions in the manner we usually do.

While grief can be disruptive for several months and challenge our sense of 'feeling normal', most people find that their grief eventually settles and becomes less disruptive. Rather than simply struggle on your own, or try and tough it out, I encourage you to make contact earlier than later. There are usually strategies that can be used to ease the struggle, even immediately following your loss.

The effects of grief can become debilitating over time for a significant number of people. Complex or prolonged grief is the experience of grief that remains high and disturbing for an extended period (6-12 months).

While time is necessary, there is no need to wait until problems have become a concern before you seek support. Click on 'learn more' for an overview of the available specialist support I provide if you are experiencing these feelings or would like further information.