Council and democracy

It’s natural to grieve or feel shocked, worried or distressed when something terrible happens.

You may be afraid:

• of something similar happening again
• of being left alone or of having to leave loved ones
• of breaking down or losing control
• that you or those you love could be harmed or distressed

You may feel helpless:

• crises bring out human weakness, as well as strength - and we’re all human.

You may feel sadness:

• for deaths and losses of every kind.

You may be longing:

• for all that has gone and for what might have been.

You may feel guilty:

• for being better off than others – surviving, being fit and well, enjoying the good things in life.

You may feel ashamed:

• for being seen as helpless or emotional and needing others to help you through.

You may feel angry:

• at what has happened, at whoever caused it or allowed it to happen
• at the injustice and senselessness of it all
• at the shame and indignities you or other people suffered
• at other people’s lack of understanding
• at other people’s inefficiencies
• at why it has happened to you and not others.

It may have brought back memories:

• of your feelings at other sad times in your life, of loss or of love for other people in your life who have died.

Everyone has feelings like these, and they can vary in intensity according to circumstances. They are natural reactions.

Nature heals by letting your feelings and emotions come out.

Bottling them up may lead to other and possibly more complicated problems.

Remember - crying can give relief. It is not a sign of weakness.