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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Does bereavement refer to loss by death or are there other forms of loss?

    Related Topics
    Bereavement Mental Health
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  • Dr Annie Cantwell-Bartl

    Psychologist

    I have a speciality in grief and trauma, illness and disability. I have training in psychological debriefing after trauma and in supporting parents and carers. View Profile

    There are many forms of loss outside of bereavement and even in bereavement there are secondary losses and stressors which may unfold.

    Outside of berevement there are such losses as relationship breakdowns, los or pets, frienships, loss in ageing or sickness or disabillity, loss of place or possessions and many more. Loss is part of life, just as much as joyous events and as such involve grief
    Dr Annie Cantwell-Bartl Melbourne

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  • Margie Ulbrick

    Counsellor

    I am a Melbourne Relationship Counsellor and Family Lawyer who is skilful in helping people get out of the pain of relationship distress and create … View Profile

    Yes, there are many forms of loss. Change, loss, growth are all a part of life but all change involves some loss. Bereavement includes an intense experience of loss that is felt for a sustained period of time. If you suspect that you are suffering from a prolonged or intense feeling of bereavement it is good to talk to someone about this. Many changes can induce a bereavement process and can include transtions such as growing up, leaving home, moving house or job, having a child or not having one; the list is endless. If you are going through a process of bereavement it may help to know that this will not last forever and that talking to someone about it will help.

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  • Kristen Ross

    Counsellor, Kinesiologist

    Kristen Ross is a qualified Kinesiologist, Counsellor and Sports Therapist.Affinity Wellness is her holistic wellness practice offering a holistic wellness experience by focusing on all … View Profile

    There are many forms of loss that we react to emotionally. I recently published this article regarding how grief and loss affect us on a sub-concious level and how kinesiology can help an individual move through the issue. 

    http://melbournekinesiologist.com.au/2013/03/06/kinesiology-melbourne-dealing-with-grief-and-loss/ 

    Best wishes. 

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  • Sarah Wayland

    Counsellor

    I'm an accredited mental health social worker with over 15 years experience working with women and children. I specialise in exploring life and all those … View Profile

    Great question - bereavement can come from a whole range of losses we experience in our lifetime. What is sometimes challenging is that the general community doesnt understand these losses to be significant, making it difficult for people to openly share how they are managing (or not managing).

    Physical illness, disability, diagnosis of a mental illness, divorce, end of a relationship, family disconnection - they all create seperation from the life we had, to a life we have to get used to - giving each other space to acknowledge the grief that comes with these changes is a great way to move forward.

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  • Lucy Appadoo

    Counsellor

    I am a Registered Counsellor and Wellness Coach who specialises in grief and loss, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger management, and stress management. I have … View Profile

    Bereavement is a response to loss, particularly the death of a significant other or loved one.   However there are other forms of loss that do not relate to death, and are more commonly known as grief and loss.  Any form of transition or change can be a loss of some kind, and this could refer to the loss of a job, the loss of freedom when you become a parent, the loss of identity when an adolescent develops through puberty, and so forth. 

    It is important to experience the emotions associated with bereavement and loss as well as embrace the changes that come with the transition.  When you can adapt to the new world that is gained through the loss, you can move forward to a restoration period, and gain a sense of meaning from the changes associated with the loss.

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