There is no ‘time limit’ for resolving feelings of grief. Everyone goes through the grief process at his or her own pace and it is important to have realistic expectations about the various reactions you will experience. For example, you can expect that:

• Your grief will take more energy than you would have ever imagined

• It will involve many changes and will be continually developing

• Your grief will entail mourning – not only for the person you lost – but for all the hopes, dreams and unfulfilled expectations you held

• You may have a combination of anger and depression that results in irritability, frustration, annoyance or intolerance

• You may have a lack of self-concern and if you find suicidal thoughts are increasingly in your mind, see a doctor or phone our Family Support Counsellor for support

• You may experience grief spasms (acute upsurges of grief) that occur suddenly, with no warning

• You may have trouble thinking and making decisions, find that you are pre-occupied and forgetful

• You may begin a search for meaning and may question your religion and/or philosophy of life

Let yourself grieve – it helps.

There are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ ways to grieve. There are no rules or set timetables. Have no expectations and take all the time you need to grieve in your own way.