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.
Things you can do to deal with your
- 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
- Try the 6 ways to feel happier, which are simple lifestyle changes to help you feel more in control and able to cope find out about how to get to sleep if you’re struggling to sleep
- Consider peer support, where people use their experiences to help each other. Find out more about peer support on the Mind website
- Listen to free mental wellbeing audio guides
Further information and support
You can find further information and support about:
- Grief and bereavement on the Cruse Bereavement Care website
- Losing your partner or child in pregnancy
- 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.
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