Bereavement
Understanding Grief:
Grief is a natural response to loss. It can happen when someone we care about passes away, but it can also occur after other losses like the end of a friendship, a breakup, or a move to a new place.
All people that experience grief in stages and this can be experience differently and at different times. You may recognise some of the following feelings and thoughts:
Stages of Grief
- Denial and Shock: Initially, you may feel numb or in disbelief. It’s hard to accept that the person or thing you’ve lost is really gone.
- Anger: You might feel angry at the situation, at others, or even at yourself. It’s okay to feel this way.
- Bargaining: During this stage, you may find yourself making deals in your mind, like “If only I had done this differently, maybe things would be okay.”
- Depression: Feeling sad, lonely, and overwhelmed is normal. It’s essential to reach out to someone you trust during this time.
- Acceptance: Acceptance doesn’t mean you’re okay with the loss. It means you’ve started to find a way to live with it.
Impact on Emotions
Grief can affect your emotions in various ways. You might feel:
- Sadness
- Anger
- Guilt
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Loneliness
- Numbness
- Fear
Impact on Daily Life
Grief can also impact your daily life:
- Changes in appetite (eating too much or too little)
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping)
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Physical symptoms (headaches, stomachaches, etc.)
- Difficulty in school or work
- Changes in relationships with friends and family
Remember, it’s okay to grieve, and seeking support from others is essential during this challenging time.
Further Information that might support you
Childhood Bereavement Network:
A website of resources to support children and young people who have suffered bereavement.
http://www.childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk/
Young Minds
Young Minds is a general mental health website, with a section on supporting children through grief and loss.
Winston's Wish
A website offering support for a child or young person around bereavement.
Once upon a smile
A Greater Manchester charity that offers support to children and young people.
https://www.onceuponasmile.org.uk/
Hope Again
Resources for Children and Young People who suffered bereavement.
There are local services offering support around bereavement for children and young people.
Antony Seddon: https://tasfund.org.uk/
Reubens Retreat: https://www.reubensretreat.org/
Resources that Might Support you
When someone very special dies
Free Journal app
Journaling can be a powerful tool to help you cope with grief. Here are some reasons why it’s beneficial:
- Emotional Clarity: Writing down your thoughts and feelings provides space to get some of your thoughts and emotions out which may support you to process your emotions more effectively
- Pathway to Acceptance: Journaling helps you explore your grief, leading to acceptance and meaning-making through loss.
- Reduced Anxiety: It assists in managing anxiety symptoms by addressing intrusive thoughts and reorganizing memories.
- Health Benefits: Regular journaling has positive effects on physical health, including improved immune system functioning, reduced heart rate, and better sleep.
- Sense of Well-Being: Teens experience reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and tension when they engage in consistent journaling
If you’re considering starting a grief journal, find a comfortable place, decide on the medium (writing or typing), and use prompts to structure your thoughts. Remember, even a few minutes of journaling can make a difference
Free Apps
IOS Penzu on the App Store (apple.com)
Android Penzu - Apps on Google Play
Support
If you would like to undertake online certificated support courses to learn more, then please complete the following self-referral and one of our team will allocate you the courses. Please click on this link or scan in the QR code:
