Bereavement
Most people experience grief when they lose something or someone important to them. If these feelings are affecting your life, there are things you can try that may help.
Bereavement, grief and loss can cause many different symptoms and they affect people in different ways. There's no right or wrong way to feel.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- shock and numbness – this is usually the first reaction to loss, and people often talk about "being in a daze"
- overwhelming sadness, with lots of crying
- tiredness or exhaustion
- anger – towards the person you've lost or the reason for your loss
- guilt – for example, guilt about feeling angry, about something you said or did not say, or not being able to stop your loved one dying
These feelings may not be there all the time and powerful feelings may appear unexpectedly.
It's not always easy to recognise when bereavement, grief or loss are the reason you're acting or feeling differently.
Things you can try to help with bereavement, grief and loss
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try talking about your feelings to a friend, family member, health professional or counsellor – you could also contact a bereavement support organisation such as Cruse or call them on: 0808 808 1677
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if you're struggling to sleep, get sleep tips from Every Mind Matters
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consider peer support, where people use their experiences to help each other. Find out more about peer support on the Mind website
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listen to free mental wellbeing audio guides
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try the 6 ways to feel happier, which are simple lifestyle changes to help you feel more in control and able to cope
If you are struggling to cope following a bereavement, please contact us to speak with the GP. We appreciate it is a very difficult time and we will try to support you the best we can.
