Grief & Bereavement
Losing someone or something meaningful is one of the most profound experiences in life. Grief can follow the death of a loved one, divorce, illness, the loss of a dream, or major life changes.
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For many people, grief brings intense emotional, physical, and psychological reactions. You may feel sadness, confusion, anger, anxiety, or a deep sense of loneliness. Some people also experience sleep problems, changes in appetite, or difficulty concentrating.
Although grief and bereavement are natural responses to loss, the experience can sometimes feel overwhelming. With the right support, it is possible to gradually integrate the loss into your life and rediscover meaning, connection, and moments of joy.
What is grief and bereavement?
Grief is the emotional, psychological, and physical response to loss. Bereavement refers specifically to the experience of losing someone through death.
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For decades, grief was commonly explained through the five stages of grief described by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross:
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Denial
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Anger
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Bargaining
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Depression
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Acceptance
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These stages helped many people understand their reactions to loss.
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​However, several decades of research and therapeutic practice have shown that grief rarely follows a predictable or linear set of stages. ​​​
Today, modern grief reseach increasingly draws on the Integrative Process Model of Grief and Bereavement.
This model, which emphasises several core elements of grieving, recognises that grieving is a deeply personal and dynamic process rather than a fixed sequence of steps:
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Fluctuation between loss and restoration – moving between confronting the loss and engaging with everyday life
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Meaning-making – gradually making sense of the loss and its impact on your life
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Continuing bonds – maintaining an ongoing inner connection with the person who has died
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Emotional processing – allowing a wide range of feelings to emerge and be integrated
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Personal adaptation – rebuilding life and identity after loss
Rather than progressing through stages, people often move back and forth between these elements as they adapt to life after loss.
How long does the grief process last?
One of the most common questions people ask is: How long does grief last?
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There is no fixed timeline for grief. For some people, the most intense emotions gradually soften over time. For others, grief may ebb and flow for many years, particularly around anniversaries, birthdays, or important life events.
Grief can also affect the body and mind in ways people do
not expect. Many individuals experience symptoms such as:
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fatigue or physical exhaustion
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difficulty concentrating
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anxiety or restlessness
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changes in sleep or appetite
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feeling emotionally numb or overwhelmed​
Because of these symptoms, grief is sometimes mistaken for depression. While grief and depression can overlap, they are not the same experience.
When grief becomes prolonged and severely interferes with daily life, it may develop into complicated grief, which often requires professional support.
Grieving as an expat
Grief can feel particularly complex when you are living abroad.
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Being far away from your usual support network can add an extra layer of isolation to the grieving process. You may not be able to attend a funeral, share memories with family, or receive the same practical and emotional support that you would at home.
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Expats often experience additional losses alongside bereavement, such as:
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​separation from family and friends
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cultural and language barriers
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loss of familiarity and belonging
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career changes or identity shifts
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the loss of a shared future or life plan
These experiences can intensify grief and make it harder to process the loss. Read more about grief as an expat here.
Can grief cause anxiety, depression, or physical symptoms?
Yes. Grief affects the whole person – emotionally,
mentally, and physically.
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Research shows that grief can influence the brain and nervous system, which may lead to symptoms such as anxiety, low mood, irritability, or difficulty regulating emotions. Some people also notice physical symptoms
such as headaches, fatigue, weakened immunity, or digestive problems.
Although these reactions are common during grief, they can sometimes become overwhelming. If you feel stuck in your grief or find it difficult to function in everyday life, it may be helpful to speak with a therapist experienced in grief and bereavement.
Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It is often an important step in learning how to live with loss.
Grief counselling for expats
Grief is not something you simply “get over.” Instead, it is something we gradually learn to live with and integrate into our lives.
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Grief counselling provides a safe and supportive space where you can explore your emotions, make sense of your loss, and begin to rebuild meaning and connection.
As an experienced therapist working with expats and international clients, I understand the additional challenges that living abroad can bring during times of loss.
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If you are struggling with grief, bereavement, or another significant life loss, you do not have to go through it alone.
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