Topics · Nicosia
Grief and loss
Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things in life. There is no right way to grieve and no timetable you have to follow.
What you may be feeling
Grief is not only sadness. Many people feel shock, numbness, anger, guilt, anxiety, or even relief if the person they loved was suffering. The body reacts too: tiredness, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, a tight chest.
These are all normal reactions. Feelings tend to come in waves. One day you may feel calmer, and the next a song or an anniversary brings it all back. Grief is not only about death either. You may also grieve after a miscarriage, a break-up, or losing your health or your job.
When it may help to get support
For most people the pain slowly becomes easier to carry, without the person being forgotten. For some, though, grief stays very intense for a long time and makes daily life hard. The NHS suggests it may help to talk to someone if:
- You cannot cope with work, home or looking after your children
- The pain is not easing at all over time
- You avoid anything that reminds you of the person or, the opposite, cannot think of anything else
- You feel that life has no meaning any more
- The loss was sudden or traumatic
Grief in children and teenagers
Children grieve too, but often in a different way. They may seem sad one moment and be playing as if nothing happened the next. They may become more irritable, cling to their parents or go back to habits from when they were younger.
It helps to talk to them honestly, in words they understand, and to answer their questions as many times as they need. If you are not sure how to start, a psychologist can help you find the words.
Small things that often help
There are no rules, but many people find it helps to:
- Talk about the person they lost with people who understand
- Keep a simple routine for sleep and meals, even without much appetite
- Make room for tears, and also for moments of laughter, without feeling guilty
- Avoid rushing into big decisions in the first months
How we can help
Therapy is not about getting over the loss or forgetting. It gives you space to talk about the person you lost, to say things you have not said to anyone, and slowly to find ways to carry on while keeping their memory with you.
At Safe Space Psychology Center in Latsia we work with adults, children, teenagers and families, through individual sessions and family sessions. Sessions take place in person or online, privately or through GeSY where it applies, in Greek, English or Romanian.
When you need help straight away
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or feel you cannot go on, do not wait. Call 112 or go to the A&E department of your nearest hospital. You can also ask someone you trust to stay with you.
Frequently asked questions
How long does grief last?
There is no set time. It is different for everyone. What matters is whether, over time, you are able to live your daily life alongside the pain.
Is it too soon to come a few weeks after the loss?
No. You can ask for support whenever you need it, whether that is days or years afterwards.
Should I bring my child, or come on my own first?
We usually start with the parents. That helps us understand what your child needs and how you can support them. Then we decide together whether your child would benefit from their own sessions.
Will I have to talk about everything from the start?
No. You set the pace and share only what you feel ready to share.
Other topics we work with
Sources and further reading
- NHS: Grief after bereavement or loss
- American Psychological Association: Grief
- WHO Europe: Mental health fact sheet
This page is for information only and does not replace an assessment by a psychologist or doctor.