Student Development and Counselling
Mental Health Resources
Grief & Loss
This page contains relevant information and resources for students experiencing grief and loss.
Grief is something that affects everyone at some point in their lives. It is a normal, but nevertheless painful part of life for all of us.
Whether it is the death of someone close to you, or the loss of a special relationship and the changes it may bring about, loss means
different things to different people and the way we display our grief can vary dramatically. Some people may choose to withdraw and
ruminate in their grief, while others may attempt to actively discuss it with others. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. The
important thing is to recognise your grief and work through it to enable you to carry on with life. This does not necessarily mean
forgetting or denying your reason for grieving, but dealing with that loss enough to feel content with life once more. If you or someone
you know is currently experiencing grief, there are a number of things you can do to make the grieving process easier.
Information
Seeking information about the cause of your loss, such as what contributed to a death or relationship break-up, and what could be
done to bring about the best possible outcome to the changes associated with this loss, can help you to see things more clearly and
find ways to overcome your grief. This can present a difficulty, however, when the search for information becomes ruminative and
answers may serve only to make you regretful of things you now wish you had done. It is important therefore, that you talk with others
about this information so as to establish a rational understanding of what has taken place. Grief is not about going back in time to fix
unfortunate mistakes, but rather achieving an understanding of what lead to the loss so that you can move forward with a new
awareness.
Social support
Having people around you, who will care and support you through the grieving process is perhaps the most valuable tool in dealing
with loss. While the manner in which support is shown and accepted may vary from person to person, just knowing that your friends
and family are there to talk to or just sit with you in your time of need will make it much easier to deal with the thoughts and emotions
you experience while grieving. If you are a friend of someone who is grieving, let them know that you are there for them, willing to listen
and be a shoulder to cry on if they need you. Be patient and try not to feel pressured to fill uncomfortable silences, sometimes just
having a friend be there in silence is all that they may need. Do not feel ashamed or embarrassed to feel emotional with your friend, as
this is a very natural and often necessary part of grieving.
Practical support
Explore the supports that are available to you in the wider community. There are often other challenges that arise with loss, such as
financial debt, legal problems, family changes and so forth. There are a number of services in the community aimed at helping people
through these external challenges, however. If you are a friend or family member of someone experiencing these difficulties, you can
help by researching services and organisations who may be able to help them and advise the person of the helpful supports available.
Some useful resources are listed below. As loss can be associated with many difference situations, additional services and
organisations to those listed here may be available that specialise in the particular assistance required for your situation.
It is important to remember that there are no rules or time limits to grieving. Loss will invariably bring about changes in your life, and all
life changes take time for us to adjust to. The resources below can help to support you through this difficult time.
Swinburne University Services and Resources
 Student Development and Counselling - For one-on-one counselling to help you deal with the thoughts, feelings and
behaviours associated with grief and find ways to overcome them
[http://www.swinburne.edu.au/stuserv/counselling/index.html].

Housing at Swinburne - Housing Advisers provide information, advice and assistance to Swinburne University students and
staff to find affordable and secure accommodation
[http://www.swinburne.edu.au/stuserv/housing/index.h
tml].

Student Finance - Financial burdens and strains
placed on Swinburne students can often be managed
with assistance from the financial advisor located on
your campus
[http://www.swinburne.edu.au/stuserv/finance].

Swinburne Chaplaincy - The Chaplaincy Unit encourages an awareness of the relevance of faith, religion and spirituality in
people's lives and in our community http://www.swinburne.edu.au/chaplaincy/

Swinburne Childcare - Child Care Facilities are available for staff and students at all Swinburne University campuses
[http://www.swinburne.edu.au/stuserv/childcare].

Swinburne Psychology Clinic - For one-on-one, or group, counselling to help address and overcome your grief
[http://www.swinburne.edu.au/lss/psychology/pc].

Local Community Council Databases - Search for your local community services that offer help for those experiencing loss
[http://www.swinburne.edu.au/stuserv/communitylinks.html].
Other Grief and Loss Services and Resources
 Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement - Offers free bereavement counselling services and programs, links to many
other grief related web sites, information on the peer-reviewed journal Grief Matters: The Australian Journal of Grief and
Bereavement, an extensive listing of free and low cost grief counselling services in Victoria, details on projects conducted by
the Centre, grief support information and products [http://www.grief.org.au].

Community Law - Free community legal advice, services, information and resources in Victoria, Australia
[http://www.communitylaw.org.au].

GriefLink - An information resource on death-related grief for the community and professionals [http://www.grieflink.asn.au].

National Association for Loss and Grief - A not-for-profit association providing a telephone information and referral
service. This website includes an explanation of loss and grief, as well as organisational details [http://www.nalagvic.org.au].

Salvation Army, The - If you need help with a personal or practical issue, The Salvation Army may be able to assist you.
They offer a wide range of humanitarian programs and services without discrimination [http://www.salvos.org.au/need-help].