Grief is not just sadness. It can involve a whole range of reactions and may affect every part of your life – emotions, thoughts, physical wellbeing, behaviour, beliefs and relationships.
All these effects can interact with each other and make the experience of grief seem overwhelming at times. The tips in this section may be useful as you come to terms with different aspects of your loss.
− Vanessa
Learn more about how these areas can affect your experience of grief:
Kate Jurgens, Bereavement Coordinator, Southern Adelaide Palliative Services, SA; Gabrielle Asprey, Facilitator, Telephone and Internet Support Groups, Cancer Council NSW; Leigh Donovan, Bereavement Coordinator, Paediatric Palliative Care Service, Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, QLD; Dr Kathryn Dwan, Senior Policy Officer, Palliative Care Australia; Philippa Kirkpatrick, National Policy Manager, Palliative Care Australia; Mary Klasen, Pastoral Care Manager, Mercy Hospital for Women, VIC; Tracey Newnham, Consumer; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Kerrie Noonan, Clinical Psychologist, Palliative Care, Liverpool Hospital, and Director, The Groundswell Project, NSW.
The cancer information on this website is based on the Understanding Cancer series booklets published by Cancer Council. This information is reviewed and updated every two years or as new information comes to hand. Cancer Council works with cancer doctors, specialist nurses or other relevant health professionals to ensure the medical information is reliable and up to date. Consumers also check the booklets to ensure they meet the needs of people with cancer. Before commencing any health treatment, always consult your doctor. This information is intended as a general introduction and should not be seen as a substitute for your own doctor’s or health professional’s advice. All care is taken to ensure that the information contained is accurate at the time of publication.
Support services
Caring for someone with cancer Speak to a health professional or to someone who has been there, or find a support group or forum
Cancer Council Online Community A community forum – a safe place to share stories, get tips and connect with people who understand
Cancer information
Emotions and cancer People who are affected by cancer in some way can experience a range of emotions, that can be very challenging to deal with at times. Learn more.
End of life This information may help you better cope with end of life, or support someone who may be dying with cancer
Receive over 30 beautiful recipes to take the guilt out of festive feasting
Privacy: Cancer Council NSW values your privacy. At Cancer Council NSW, we recognise the importance of your privacy and the safeguarding of your personal information. For more details, please read our Privacy Policy. By providing your email & phone number you are agreeing that Cancer Council NSW can use it to keep you informed about future activities and events.
