Grief is a theme that touches on the lives of many patients with physical health difficulties. This may be due to a recent bereavement or feelings about a bereavement from many years ago that have been triggered by the patient’s own physical health concerns. It can also be associated with other losses such as the loss of a job, a significant change to the body, such as after a mastectomy, or the loss of a function, such as being able to eat or have a sexual relationship. 

Grief can be a difficult and confusing experience and can continue long after a loved one has died or these changes have taken effect. There is no specific way to grieve and not necessarily any particular end point.  Each person’s experience of grief is completely unique.

It can sometimes be helpful to think about the experience of grief using the framework of one or more models of grief. Different people may find different models helpful in explaining their experience and they may find they relate to some more than others.

Useful links

• Bereavement and traumatic events - Every Mind Matters - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• Get help with grief after bereavement or loss - NHS (www.nhs.uk)