Bereavement
What is bereavement?
Bereavement is the grief and mourning experience following the death of someone important to you. While it’s an inevitable part of life—something that virtually all of us go through at some point—losing someone you love can be one of the most painful experiences you’ll ever have to endure.
Bereavement isn’t limited to emotional responses, either. Grief at the death of a loved one can also trigger physical reactions, including weight and appetite changes, difficulty sleeping, aches and pains, and an impaired immune system leading to illness and other health problems.
Things you can try to help with bereavement, grief and loss
Do
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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: 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
Don’t
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do not try to do everything at once – set small targets that you can easily achieve
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do not focus on the things you cannot change – focus your time and energy into helping yourself feel better
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try not to tell yourself that you’re alone – most people feel grief after a loss and support is available
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try not to use alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or drugs to relieve grief – these can all contribute to poor mental health
Further information and support
You can find further information and support about:
- grief and bereavement on the Cruse website
- losing someone to suicide on the Mind website
The GOV.UK website also has information about what to do after someone dies, such as registering the death and planning a funeral.
