The Journey Together Social Work Insights on Coping with Loss
Nov 4, 2025
Michelle O’Reilly, senior medical social worker supporting families and children through serious illness, and Kate Hawney, senior palliative social work practitioner specialising in bereavement and therapeutic counselling, discuss grief’s physical and emotional effects. They cover how grief differs by relationship and circumstance. Practical support, helping children, coping with anniversaries, and when to seek extra help are explored.
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You Learn To Carry Grief Not Get Over It
- There is no getting over grief; instead life can expand around it as you learn to carry it.
- Kate frames grief as enduring love that becomes part of you while still allowing room to live and find joy.
Delay Major Decisions After A Recent Bereavement
- Avoid making big life decisions soon after bereavement because concentration and judgment are impaired.
- Kate recommends slowing down to let the body recover from stress hormones before major choices.
Multiple Factors Shape How Someone Grieves
- Many factors shape grief: relationship type, suddenness of death, past losses, mental health and cultural beliefs.
- Michelle lists examples like anticipatory grief, multiple losses, and estranged relationships changing how someone grieves.