Grief and loss
There is no right answer on how to react when you lose someone or find yourself in a challenging situation. Allow yourself to feel what you feel, and be prepared for your emotions to change. If you need help sorting your thoughts and emotions, there are many resources available.
Is what I'm feeling normal, and what can I do?
There are many ways to react when experiencing grief, and no reactions are wrong.
Studenterspør.no
Do you want advice about your specific situation? Ask anonymously and receive answers from SiO's psychologists, doctors, and counselors. The website is in norwegian, but you can write and get an answer in english.
Grief support groups
The Chaplaincy have grief support groups for students in english. You are welcome regardless of background, gender, sexual orientation, or religious conviction.
Advice for processing grief when you have lost someone
- It is important to allow yourself to feel what you feel and be prepared for the emotions to change. Remember that there is no right or wrong way to react, as this is entirely individual.
- Take care of your eating and sleeping habits, even if everything feels indifferent.
- Crying can be beneficial, and it is often helpful to have someone to cry with.
- Allow yourself to spend time thinking about the person who passed away and the moments you shared together. It is helpful to talk to someone close to the deceased or others who have lost someone they cared about.
- When the grief becomes particularly heavy, it is important to reach out to someone you can talk to. It could be people you trust or a professional counselor.
- Trying to return to routines and normal life can be beneficial. Go to school, work, engage in leisure activities, and spend time with friends. This helps prevent being constantly alone with the heavy thoughts.
- It is okay to feel angry and sad, and it can be helpful to express these emotions by talking to someone, writing in a journal, or engaging in physical exercise.
- It is okay to laugh. Even though you and those around you are sad, it is important to take a break from grief. You can have fun with your friends even while feeling sad, without feeling guilty about it.
- Many find it supportive and comforting to meet others in similar situations. There are support groups for the bereaved available in various locations.
- If you feel guilt about something that was said or should have been said while the deceased person was still alive, it can be helpful to talk to someone you trust, so you are not alone with these thoughts.
- It is particularly important to seek help if the grief is negatively affecting your daily life over a longer period or if you do not experience any relief or variation in the heavy emotions.
Source: Helsenorge (Norwegian Health Portal)
Updated 20.08.24