Understanding grief

This information helps you understand more about grief when someone close to you has died from cancer. Coping with grief doesn’t mean getting over the person’s death. It’s about finding ways to live with the loss.

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What is grief?

Grief is the way we process and adjust to any loss.

How you might feel

Grief can affect your emotions, thoughts, physical wellbeing, behaviour, beliefs and relationships.

Common questions about grief

Living with grief raises many questions. We discuss how long grief might last and what to do when grief feels overwhelming.

How to help someone who is grieving

It can be hard to know how to help someone who is grieving. These tips may help you find the right words to say or ways to offer practical assistance.

Support and information

A range of services are available to support people who are grieving.

Questions for your health professionalAsking your health professionals questions can help you find the right support. Here’s a list of questions you may want to ask.

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Questions for your doctors

How do I know if what I’m feeling is a typical reaction?
How can I cope with grief? How long does it last?
When should I think about getting professional support?
Where can I get help for how I am feeling?
How can I support my children who are grieving?
People keep pressuring me to move on. Do I have to?
I’m having trouble sleeping. Can you help with that?
How can I find a professional counsellor or psychologist?
How can I connect with other people who are grieving? Should I join a bereavement support group?
Are there any complementary therapies you think might help me?

Questions for your psychologist, counsellor or other mental health professional

What type of therapy do you recommend?
How long will the therapy last?
What will the session cost? Can the cost be reduced if I can’t afford it?
Who can I call after hours if I need immediate emotional support?
Should I consider medicines to support my emotional health?
Can you recommend any books I can read on grief and loss?
Are there any apps, podcasts or online programs that might be helpful?

Podcast: Coping with Grief

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Need to talk?

Call 13 11 20 to talk to a health professional Or email us your questions.

This information was last updated in October 2023. See who reviewed the content.

A/Prof Lisa Beatty, Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology and Consulting Clinical Psychologist, Flinders University Institute of Mental Health and Wellbeing, SA; Sandra Anderson, Consumer; Dr Alexandra Clinch, Palliative Medicine Specialist and Deputy Director, Palliative Care, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, VIC; Christopher Hall, Chief Executive Officer, Grief Australia; Nathan MacArthur, Specialist Grief Counsellor and Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Sydney Grief Counselling Services, NSW; Linda Magann, Clinical Nurse Consultant – Palliative Care, St George Hospital, NSW; Palliative Care Australia; Richard Upton, Consumer; Lesley Woods, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA.

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