Bereavement
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.
As well as bereavement, there are other types of loss such as the end of a relationship or losing a job or home.
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.
Experts generally accept that we go through 4 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
Most people go through all these stages, but you will not necessarily move smoothly from one to the next.
Your grief might feel chaotic and out of control, but these feelings will eventually become less intense over time.
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try talking about your feelings to a friend, family member, health professional or counsellor – you could also contact a support organisation such as Cruse Bereavement Care or call: 0808 808 1677
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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.
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find out about how to get to sleep if you're struggling to sleep.
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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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search and download relaxation and mindfulness apps or online community apps from the NHS Apps library
Support if a loved one has died (bereavement)
Our bereavement support service helps with the practical arrangements following a death.
You can refer yourself for bereavement talking therapy support from Southwark Talking Therapies.
The NHS provides guidance about coping with bereavement, including information about the stages of grief to help you recognise that what you may be going through is normal.
Cruse Bereavement Care offers free, confidential support for adults and children when someone dies, by telephone, email or face-to-face. Call 0808 808 1677
Carers UK provides information, advice and support to carers and their families, including bereavement support. Call 0808 808 7777.
The South East London Suicide Bereavement Service supports people who have lost someone to suicide. You can self-refer for bereavement support.
The National Bereavement Service provides practical and emotional assistance after a death. If you or a loved one is experiencing loss, you can access free support today.
UK callers freecall 0800 0246 121
