Grief and Bereavement

This is an information sheet for those who are struggling with grief and bereavement and for those who wants to support someone who is.

What is Grief?

Grief is the word used to describe our emotional response to loss. You may associate grieving with a range of losses, including loss of a family member, loss of a job or loss of a relationship. It is particularly relevant today, as we are all experiencing some form of loss during this pandemic, but more importantly some of us may have experienced the loss of a loved one to the virus or other causes.

This information sheet has been made to help you understand your grief and to be able to find the appropriate resources for your circumstance.

The Grieving Process

There is no right or wrong way to grieve; everyone has a different way of dealing with their loss. How you grieve depends on many factors including your coping style, your personality, your faith, your life experience and how significant the loss was to you.

This process will take time and the healing happens gradually. It is important not to force of hurry the grieving process. For some people this could take weeks, for some months and other years, so be patient with yourself and allow the grief to naturally unfold.

How to Deal with the Grieving Process

1. Acknowledge the pain.

2. Accept that grief can trigger many different and unexpected emotions.

3. Understand that each grieving process will be unique to each person.

4. Seek support from people who care about you.

5. Looking after yourself emotionally and physically.

6. Recognise the difference between grief and depression.

Symptoms

These are some of the symptoms you may or may not experience during your grieving process.

Emotional Symptoms

Shock and disbelief

Sadness

Guilt

Anger

Fear

Physical Symptoms

Fatigue/Aches and Pains

Nausea

Lowered immunity

Weight loss

Insomnia

Support

If you are experiencing grief and loss it is important to seek the appropriate support.

You may get the support from family and friends, a support group or a counsellor, but there are also online resources that provide useful information and support.

Cruse Bereavement Care

Phone: 0808 080 1677 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)

Email: helpline@cruse.org.uk

Website: www.cruse.org.uk

The Compassionate Friends

Phone: 0345 123 2304 (10am-4pm and 7pm to 10pm)

Email: helpline@tcf.org.uk

Website: www.tcf.org.uk

Sudden

Phone: 0800 2600 400 (Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm)

Email: help@sudden.org

Website: www.sudden.org