GRIEF

The stages of mourning and grief are universal and are experienced by people from all walks of life. Mourning occurs in response to an individual’s own terminal illness, the loss of a close relationship, or to the death of a loved one.

Everybody grieves differently and there are different things that may affect the way people grieve. Knowing these may help to understand yours and other people’s reactions to the loss. If someone’s reaction is different to yours it does not necessarily mean they care less. The five stages of grief are

1.     Denial and Isolation of the reality of the loss. It is a temporary response

2.     Anger feelings of anger that maybe directed at close family members/friends

3.     Bargaining trying to regain control

4.     Depression depression is associated with mourning

5.     Acceptance this phase is marked by calm, it is not a period of happiness

Coping with loss is a personal and singular experience — nobody can help you go through it more easily or understand all the emotions that you’re going through. Others can be there for you and help comfort you through this process. The best thing you can do is to allow yourself to feel the grief as it comes over you.

Further Information

·        The Samaritans www.samaritans.ie Phone  116 123

·        Barnardos www.barnardos.ie  Bereavement Counselling 01 473 2110 Helpline Monday to Thursday from 10am-12pm (Wed 12pm-2pm)

·        The Irish Hospice Foundation www.hospicefoundation.ie 01 679 3188

·        Rainbows Ireland  www.rainbowsireland.ie  01 473 4175

·        Living Links www.livinglinks.ie 087 412 2052

·        CONSOLE:  www.console.ie 1800 247 247 Support people bereaved through suicide.

·        TURNING POINT: Tel: 01 280 7888 Email: admin@turningpoint.ie

·        Teen Counselling www.teencounselling.ie Phone 01 557 4705

·        Anam Cara bereavement support www.anamcara.ie 01 404 5378 or  085 288 8888

·        Bethany Bereavement Support Mullingar Confidential Phone Service 087 630 9808