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Loss and grief

Dealing with loss and grief

Loss is a part of life. Everyone will face difficult events at some point, like the death of a loved one, losing your health, job, studies, or a relationship. Every loss leads to a grieving process. This is a time of adjustment, where you learn to carry the loss with you and find a new way to live. Often, people can go through this process on their own. But sometimes, a bit of help is needed — and that’s okay.

What are loss and grief?

Loss means losing something or someone important to you — like a loved one, your health, your job, your studies, or a relationship.
You cannot control when or how loss happens. Everyone experiences loss in their own way and in their own time. That is completely normal.

Grief is the name for the feelings and thoughts you have after a loss.
It is a process where you learn to live with what you have lost.

What can you do?

Talk about your experiences with people you trust, like family, friends, your student coach, or your GP. Read or listen to stories from others, for example, in books or podcasts. You may recognise your own feelings in their stories. Tell the people around you what you need and from whom.

Healthcare in the Netherlands

 If your loss or grief causes study delay (or might cause it), make an appointment with a student counsellor. They can help you find out if you can get extra support or financial help.

Schedule an appointment with a student counsellor