Dealing with loss and mourning

What is it?

Loss can come in the form of the death of a loved one, loss of health, loss of work, quitting studies, negative study results or relationship break-up. Every loss inevitably leads to a grieving process, an adjustment process in which you learn to carry the loss with you and shape life after the loss. This is a very normal reaction to a drastic event and can usually be done properly on your own. Loss experiences cannot be 'controlled' and are not tied to set times like a lesson programme. Everyone experiences loss in their own way and has their own 'loss time'. That is quite normal.

What can you do yourself? 

Talk about your experiences with others familiar to you: family, friends, your student coach, your general practioner. If necessary, read books about other people's stories of experience or listen to a podcast. You will often find recognition in these. Try to make clear to those around you what you need from whom. 

If your loss and/or grief experience causes (or threatens to cause) study delays, make an appointment with a student counsellor to discuss whether you are eligible for facilities.