Understanding grief: a compass for post-loss living

Sally and Imogen are the dynamic co-founders of 'Good Mourning'. Described as "Passionate change-makers" by Women's Health Australia, their mission is to transform how we talk about grief, resilience and mental health, providing a trusted resource for navigating grief with honesty and compassion. Their work was born from their own very personal experiences with sudden loss in their early 30s.

Grief is not just sorrow after a death-it’s a complex mix of emotions, including guilt, numbness, anger, confusion, and even moments of joy. It can be triggered by any significant loss, not just bereavement. Numbness, for example, is a natural response to shock.

Tip: Ask, “How are you today?” to acknowledge changing feelings. Name and normalise emotions to make them easier to process.

Grief affects the whole body, often leading to exhaustion, anxiety, and brain fog. These physical symptoms are part of the body’s stress response. Rest is essential, not indulgent, during this time.

Tip: Listen to your body and use practices like breathwork or yoga to help regulate your nervous system.

The popular “Five Stages of Grief” were originally meant for people facing their own mortality, not those grieving a loss. Grief is not linear and doesn’t have a clear endpoint - it’s something people learn to live with, not “finish”. The dual process model suggests people move between confronting their loss and engaging with daily life.

Tip: Allow yourself to shift between feeling your grief and taking breaks for normal activities.

Grief is shaped by personality, culture, and life experience. Some process grief through feelings and talking (intuitive grievers), while others focus on tasks and problem-solving (instrumental grievers). Most people are a mix.

Tip: Whether you need to talk or prefer to keep busy, your way of grieving is valid.