Understanding Grief in Children Grief doesn’t wait for adulthood. Children, even at a very young age, can feel the weight of loss just as deeply as adults—though they often express it in ways that are harder to recognize. Grief Through a Child’s Eyes Children experience grief emotionally, physically, and behaviourally. They may feel sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, or fear. Some withdraw, others act out. You might notice changes in sleep, appetite, or school performance. Even toddlers can grieve, though they may not fully understand what death means. Grief in children often comes in waves. One moment they may be crying, the next they’re playing. This doesn’t mean they’re “over it”—it’s simply how their developing brains manage […]

Protecting Our Bonds in Times of Loss Grief is a deeply personal experience, and no two people navigate it in the same way. While some may retreat inward, others may seek connection, and these differences can create tension in relationships. The emotional weight of loss can strain even the strongest bonds, leading to misunderstandings, frustration, and, in some cases, relationship breakdowns. Understanding how grief affects relationships and learning strategies to protect them can help us support each other through difficult times. The Impact of Grief on Relationships Grief can manifest in various ways—anger, sadness, withdrawal, or even a sense of relief. According to research, the end of a relationship or the loss of a loved one […]

The Physical Toll of Grief and How to Cope Grief is often thought of as an emotional experience—waves of sadness, longing, and reflection—but it doesn’t just affect the heart and mind. Loss can take a serious toll on the body, altering sleep patterns, energy levels, and even the immune system. Understanding these physical effects can help normalise the experience and offer insight into how to navigate grief with care and self-compassion. The Physical Symptoms of Grief Grieving is an intense process, and the body responds to emotional distress in tangible ways. Some of the most common physical symptoms of grief include: – Fatigue and Exhaustion – Grief can feel physically draining, making even simple tasks seem […]

Grief Doesn’t Fade—It Changes: Learning to Live with Loss Grief is often misunderstood. People expect it to lessen with time, hoping it will eventually disappear, leaving only distant memories. But grief isn’t something we simply “get over.” It doesn’t fade—it changes. Instead of vanishing, grief transforms. It shifts and evolves, becoming something we carry differently as time passes. With the right support, grief can become more manageable, allowing people to integrate loss into their lives in meaningful ways. Grief Is Not About Moving On—It’s About Moving Forward The of the most painful misconceptions about grief is the idea that healing means forgetting. That’s simply not true. Healing is not about leaving our loved ones behind—it’s about learning […]

The Power of Grief Support & Volunteering: How NALAG and Volunteers Make a Difference Grief is one of life’s most profound challenges,  and navigating it alone can feel overwhelming. That’s where NALAG (National Association for Loss and Grief) steps in—providing free, compassionate grief support to Australians in need. At the heart of NALAG’s mission are grief support volunteers—dedicated individuals who give their time, empathy, and expertise to ensure that no one has to face grief alone. As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, it’s the perfect time to recognize the incredible impact of volunteering and how it strengthens communities across Australia. NALAG: Supporting Australians Through Grief NALAG has been a leader in grief support and education in […]

Grief Is More Than Death: Understanding the Many Faces of Grief When we think of grief, we often associate it with the death of a loved one. While bereavement is one of the most profound forms of grief, the reality is that grief can emerge from many different experiences—not just death, but change, transitions, setbacks, and losses that shape our lives in unexpected ways. Grief is personal. It doesn’t follow a timeline or a set of predictable emotions. It can be fleeting or long-lasting, silent or overwhelming. And while some grief is deeply tied to mourning, other forms of grief stem from life changes that alter our sense of stability, identity, or future expectations. The good […]