Let’s talk about grief and loss webinar – key highlights

Grief and loss describe the feelings of sadness and pain people feel when they lose someone or something important. This can happen when someone close dies, a pregnancy loss occurs, a relationship ends, or a cherished pet passes away.

Grief can bring up many emotions, like sadness, anger, and even relief, depending on the situation. Grief and loss can significantly impact both work and home life, and a busy, stressful work environment can intensify these feelings. Recognising and addressing the impact of grief is crucial for supporting overall well-being and ensuring that people in the legal sector receive the support and understanding they need.

The webinar provided an opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of grief and loss, its impact on mental health, and to learn ways they and their workplaces can better support people who may be experiencing it. Here are the key highlights from the webinar.

Grief is often misunderstood:

• Grief is unique for everyone; there’s no universal timeline or way to grieve.
• Many assume people want solitude, but some may need connection.
• Society often expects people to 'move on' after a certain period, which can make grief feel isolating.

Grief’s impact on work and relationships:

• Grief can make people feel lonely and disconnected, which can impact their work, personal relationships, and how they interact with colleagues.
• Grief may not strengthen relationships as expected; different ways of grieving can sometimes create tension within families or friend groups.

Coping strategies:

• Talking with others, even if not directly about grief, can be helpful.
• Simple activities like taking walks, enjoying nature, or exercising can help bring a sense of stability.
• Connecting with others, asking for help, and setting boundaries are important steps in coping.

Anticipatory grief:

• Some people feel grief even before a loss happens, especially in cases of terminal illness. They may feel a deep sense of loss as they prepare for the changes to come.

When to seek professional help:

• For most people, grief gradually lessens with time, but some may need professional help, especially if they feel unable to move forward.
• Counselling can help with intense grief, especially after a sudden or traumatic loss.

Workplace support:

• Policies and managers should be flexible to support the individual and unpredictable nature of grief.
• A supportive workplace acknowledges the person’s grief, allows time off, and encourages open dialogue, which can improve employee loyalty and wellbeing.

Finding meaning in loss:

• Some of the speakers experienced personal growth, greater self-compassion, and a stronger focus on meaningful relationships during their grief journey.
• The speakers highlighted the importance of reflecting on daily experiences and learning to embrace both joy and grief in life.

Children and grief:

• Children may need more support with grief because they don’t have the same understanding as adults.
• Talking openly, offering reassurance, and letting children know their feelings are okay are essential for supporting them through grief.

Supporting grieving friends, family or colleagues:

• Directly ask the grieving person what they need and offer your company without pressuring them to talk.
• Acts of kindness, like providing meals, and simply being present can be comforting in the early days after a loss.

The webinar showed that grief is personal and different for everyone - there’s no 'right' way to cope. It emphasised that practical support, openness, and compassion are the best ways to help ourselves and others handle the challenges of loss.