Helping to deal with the impact of loss

Grief affects us all at one time or another in our lives—whether it be due to the death of a loved one or some other form of loss.

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"It is a normal emotion we feel as a response to loss," says Claire Collins, a bereavement coordinator with Marie Curie (www.mariecurie.org.uk).

"Throughout our lives we experience many different types of loss, such as relationship breakdowns, redundancy, financial, health and the death of a loved one. These losses can often lead to a further series of losses."

WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF GRIEF?

"Many symptoms of grief can be experienced after the loss of a loved one," says Claire. "The emotional responses include shock, numbness, denial, isolation, loneliness, sadness, anger, despair, emptiness, helplessness, fear and anxiety.