Grief is a deeply personal experience, and no two people go through it in the same way. The emotions that arise after losing a loved one can be overwhelming, unpredictable, and sometimes conflicting. There is no “right” way to grieve, and no set timeline for healing.
Some people experience waves of sadness, while others may feel numbness, anger, guilt, or even moments of relief. These emotions can come and go, change over time, or appear when least expected. Understanding that grief is unique to each person can bring comfort during this difficult time.
The Many Faces of Grief
Grief is rarely a neat or linear process. Instead, it is an ever-changing experience that unfolds differently for everyone.
You may feel:
- Shock and disbelief, struggling to accept the loss
- Overwhelming sadness, emptiness, or loneliness
- Anger, frustration, or even resentment
- Guilt, regret, or a longing to change the past
- Numbness or a sense of detachment
- A mixture of emotions all at once
Grief can also bring physical sensations, such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, or trouble sleeping. These reactions are natural and part of how our minds and bodies process loss.
Rather than following a predictable pattern, these emotions can ebb and flow. Some days may feel easier, while others may bring an unexpected wave of sorrow. It’s important to allow yourself to experience grief in your own way, without pressure to “move on”.
Coping with Grief in Your Own Way
Because grief is unique to each person, coping strategies that help one person may not work for another. Finding what brings you comfort is a deeply personal journey.
Here are some ways people cope with loss:
- Talking about their loved one – Sharing memories with friends and family can help keep their presence alive.
- Seeking support – Speaking with a grief counsellor, joining a bereavement group, or connecting with others who understand can provide comfort.
- Creating rituals of remembrance – Lighting a candle, writing in a journal, visiting a meaningful place, or creating a tribute can help honour a loved one’s memory.
- Allowing yourself to feel – Giving yourself permission to grieve without guilt or expectation can be a healing process.
- Taking care of yourself – Eating well, getting rest, and engaging in gentle activities can help support emotional well-being.
Some days you may need solitude, while other days, the presence of loved ones may be reassuring. Grief is not a problem to be solved, but a journey to be walked at your own pace.
Finding Support
Grief isn’t something that you have to navigate alone. There are many grief and loss support services available that can provide guidance, support and understanding.
- Bereavement Support Groups – Connecting with others who have experienced loss.
- Counselling Services – Professional grief counsellors and psychologists can offer personalised guidance and coping strategies.
- Community Resources – Local organisations can provide resources such as workshops and support
A journey of healing and remembrance
At Geelong Cemeteries Trust, we recognise the importance of remembrance. Our cemeteries and memorial parks provide a peaceful space for reflection, honouring loved ones, and finding comfort in their memory.
Grief can be a heavy and complicated experience, but you are not alone. Whether you seek comfort in conversation, quiet reflection, or connection with others who understand, support is out there in many forms. Be kind to yourself and take each moment as it comes—there is no right or wrong way to grieve, only your way.
