THE WHIRLPOOL OF GRIEF

The diagram above is a helpful illustration of the grief and distress that may follow a bereavement.

Most of us travel normally and peacefully along the river of life for many years. Occasionally we may hit an eddy but usually soon pass through it and re-enter calmer waters.

Bereavement changes things dramatically. The loss of a loved relation or friend plunges us over the edge of the placid river into a steep waterfall towards a whirlpool below. As we go down the falls we feel shock/denial/numbness. Nothing is real or makes sense.

On hitting the whirlpool at the bottom our world falls apart. We are totally disorganized and find ourselves being thrown against painful rocks that hurt! We enter a strange new situation. So much has changed. As we are buffeted along by the current we may be washed up on to the bank – a time of depression. Can we carry on?

In time the stream takes us into calmer waters, and some of our strength returns enabling us to swim again and move forward in the river of life, however slowly, clutching at lifelines that help us along this new journey.

> Perhaps we can help.

> Who calls our helpline?

> A little about grieving.

> The first step is the difficult one.

> Bereavement can hit hard.

> Happy summer days? Not for everyone!.

> The Whirlpool of Grief.

> Growing Around Grief.