Someone I love has died – where can I find support?
Bereavement is the experience of losing someone important to us. Most people respond to this by grieving and mourning which is the process of going through a range of emotions including:
- 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.
Stages of bereavement or grief
Some research suggests that we go through four stages of bereavement or grief:
- Accepting that your loss is real
- Experiencing the pain of grief
- Adjusting to life without the person, or thing you have lost
- Putting less emotional energy into grieving and putting it into something new
Where can I find support?
If these feelings are affecting your life, there is support available for you.
Child Bereavement UK provides support for anyone who has lost a child, and for children themselves who are bereaved. Call: 0800 02 888 40
Cruse Bereavement Care offer bereavement support and information. Call: 0808 808 1677
Child Death Helpline is a helpline that offers confidential support and befriending to anyone affected by the death of a child, teenager or young adult. Call: 0800 282 986
Sue Ryder’s Online Bereavement Support includes an online community to talk to others who are grieving, a video chat counselling service and personalised grief support by text message.
Citizens Advice has guidance about what happens after a death and things you might need to do, depending on the circumstances.
The Good Grief Trust offers information and support if you are newly bereaved.
For more information about where to find support, advice and assistance during this difficult time, you can read this resource created by Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust.
