Losing someone you love can be completely devasting. Bereavement is something that will affect everyone at some point in their life. It can be an overwhelming and incredibly tough time
Many young people don’t know what to do or how they should feel after experiencing a bereavement
Quite simply when someone you love dies, there is no right or wrong way to feel. Everyone’s feelings, emotions and way of coping will be different. You will have good days and bad, there is no set time frame for grief, it is a long process
Your emotions can be overwhelming and powerful, but at other times you may just feel distant on numb. Other feelings can be shock, sadness, anger, guilt or even relief, especially if you have seen a loved one suffering due to poor health. These feelings are all normal reactions and understandable in these situations
At first the pain can seem unbearable after a significant loss, the pain can seem unbearable, and you may feel like you’re not coping, or that things will never get better
It’s important to allow yourself to experience the pain, that is how you start to heal from it. Grief can often be thought of as a healing process. By pushing the pain away, and not allowing yourself to confront it, often means you will experience it again at a later time
It’s okay to not feel okay – and allowing yourself to cry is ok too, you shouldn’t be afraid or embarrassed to cry. Letting it out is important and helps to express what you really feel. Releasing your emotions and allowing yourself to genuinely feel what you feel, will help both in the short and long term
Recognising when you are perhaps not coping or someone you know is not coping, is the first step in perhaps beginning to look and reach out for some support. Reaching out to people who are compassionate and empathic can be truly healing
The links provided are focused on support for Children and Young People as well as parents and caregivers. These services aim to provide support and information in a way that children and young people can relate to.
Bereavement Support Links
Grief and bereavement - The Mix
Dealing With Grief | How To Cope With Grief | Bereavement | The Mix
Supporting children and young people - Cruse Bereavement Support
Home SUPPORTING BEREAVED CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE - Grief Encounter
Bereavement Advice Centre | Free Helpline
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide - Overcoming the isolation of people bereaved by suicide
Winston's Wish - Bereavement Support for Children
Bereavement advice and support for Parents and Caregivers
Supporting bereaved children and young people | Child Bereavement UK
Children, young people and grief - Cruse Bereavement Support
Children and bereavement - NHS
Essential Guidance for Supporting a Bereaved Child | Winston's Wish