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Grief

Grief is a natural but difficult feeling that everyone experiences at some point in their life. People experience grief following a loss, such as a loss of a loved one, bankruptcy, serious illness or due to natural disaster damage. The grief process is subjective to the individual and the length varies. It is not possible to set a time limit for grief. Sometimes a grief reaction can occur following a loss, but sometimes a grief reaction occurs long after the loss. In addition, each day can be different when it comes to how strongly people experience grief. It is good to face the difficult feelings that grief can bring to us, allow ourselves to experience them instead of suppressing them and discuss them with those closest to you - it can provide great strength to individuals.

Grief is accompanied by emotional and physical symptoms. An individual may experience feelings such as anger, anxiety, loneliness, guilt, sadness or unreality. Moreover, grief may be accompanied by physical symptoms such as loss of appetite, fatigue, muscle tension, nausea and changes in your sleeping pattern. Behaviour can also change in the grief process and it is common for people to feel the need to step back or isolate themselves when they are sad. In young people, mood swings, restlessness or impulsiveness in decision-making can be part of a grieving process.

Grief often reminds us of depression and the two have many symptoms in common. Most symptoms occur in the same way. One of the main differences in the manifestation of symptoms is that individuals who are in the grief process usually do not experience feelings of worthlessness or suicidal thoughts in the same way that people with depression can feel. Individuals who experience a loved one's death may have thoughts that they no longer want to live so they can be with the deceased, but these thoughts usually last for a short time. It is important to monitor symptoms of grief and recognise if they become overwhelming, are present every day and last for a very long period of time. It is natural to feel bad after a loss, but grief can be a good reason to seek help, even with a professional.