Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria

Grieving after loss 

Grief is a natural response to loss. Recognise the signs that you are grieving and try our suggested ways to cope.

It’s normal to grieve when we go through loss. Grief is the way we respond inside when something important changes or is gone. 

Grief touches all of us at different times in life—it’s part of being human. It can stir up sadness, anger, numbness, relief—or a mix of all of these. There’s no one ‘correct’ way to grieve. Your experience will be your own, and that’s okay.

A response to big changes

We often connect grief to the death of someone we love, but it can also come from other big changes. It could be losing a job, ending a relationship, or even feeling a loss of identity or purpose. However it shows up, grief is real, and it matters.

To find out more about types of grief and what might support you, go to Griefline

Recognise your response as grief 

Grief doesn’t always look the same. It might show up as tiredness, irritability, or trouble focusing. Your appetite, sleep, or energy may change. You might even feel disconnected from the people around you.

If something feels ‘off’ after a loss or change, it is probably grief. For nurses and midwives, losing a patient can leave a deep mark. It doesn’t matter if you’ve known them for years or only briefly—whether their passing was expected, sudden, peaceful, or traumatic. Each loss can feel different, and each one is valid

Help if you are grieving

What helps? Naming it can be a powerful first step in healing. Talking it through with someone you trust can also help. Most importantly—giving yourself permission to grieve. It’s a sign of care and compassion, not weakness.

Care for yourself as you move through it

There’s no fix for grief, but there are ways to care for yourself. It helps to stop and reflect on what you’re feeling—even the messy bits. Talk about those feelings with someone you trust. Be kind to yourself and follow the routines of normal life. It might help to think of a meaningful way for you to celebrate or pay tribute to them (however small).

We’re here to support you

Are you feeling heavy with grief? You are not alone—we’re here with you every step of the way. We offer a safe, confidential space where you can talk through what you’re feeling with someone who understands. If you’d like support, call us on 03 9415 7551 to speak with an experienced nurse or midwife who gets it.

We’re here to support you

We offer a safe, confidential space where you can talk through what you’re feeling with someone who understands. If you’d like support, and to speak with an experienced nurse or midwife, click the button below or call us on 03 94157551

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