Official guides / Student support & services
Coping with grief (Monash Malaysia)
Monash University Malaysia
Last checked: 6 Oct 2026 UTCWhat this page covers
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Grief is very common. We feel it when someone dies, but also when we move away from people close to us (or they move away from us), and after other losses. People react to loss in different ways, and it can take some people longer than others to get over it.
Common symptoms
- Numbness, shock and disbelief
- Pain
- Guilt
- Sadness or deep longing
- Anger and frustration
- Feeling hopeless or helpless
- Sleeping problems
- Depression and lack of energy
Look after yourself when grieving
Be gentle and kind to yourself when grieving.
- Eat healthy, regular meals
- Relax using meditation, by reading, or by having a bath
- Try to get enough sleep
- Avoid drugs, alcohol and cigarettes
Tips
You may need to try a few things to see what works for you.
- Cry
- Talk about it
- Spend time alone
- Spend time with friends or family
- Pamper yourself
- Seek support
- Get some exercise
- Keep active, do things to distract yourself
- Seek support from others
- Seek counselling or professional help