Understand Grief

Grief is a natural process of mourning that everyone will go through with the loss of a loved one. The centre is a sanctuary that anyone can go to. They can have conversations with our volunteer counsellors who will be trained but not necessarily psychologists. Trained to be effective counsellors, with listening skills, and the art of acknowledging and empathise with someone grieving.

Words like “They are in a better place..” or “Be patient..” may sound like suitable things to say, but are actually filled with cliches and may do more harm than good. The bereaved already knows all this, and the last thing they want to hear is a lecture. These people are in pain of losing someone they love, and they need to be validated. For people to let them know that it is okay to be sad, that the feeling is difficult to bear.

Why grief support is important is because while in most cases grief can be managed individually, in some cases, the loss of a loved one can be so tragic and intense, that if left unsupported, can turn into complicated grief, which in turn may lead to depression. Be that as it may, it is important to note that grief is that it is not a mental issue. It is a natural process of mourning that everyone will go through with the loss of a loved one. We want our centre to be a sanctuary that they can go to.