Bereavement: Useful Information
This section contains numerous pieces of useful information including:
Use the links on the left hand side to access this, and other information. Please see the Government website if you would like more information.
Coping with Bereavement
Bereavement is a distressing experience which all of us encounter sometime in our lives. We all deal with grief in different ways. Grieving is a natural process that can take place after any kind of loss. It is an overpowering emotion that needs to run its course. Although we are all individuals we go through the same feelings, but not always in the same order. Disbelief, numbness, yearning for the person who has died, outburst of tears, disturbed sleep, guilt and anger are all common feelings we need to deal with.
These strong emotions can be felt for quite a while after the death. It is best to return to normal life as soon as possible. The phrase "time is a great healer" is in most cases certainly true, however the pain of losing someone never entirely disappears, nor should it be expected to.
Practical help can be a listening ear, being able to talk and cry with the bereaved. Not mentioning the deceased for fear of upsetting the bereaved can lead to a sense of isolation, which can add to the grief.
A respectful interment or cremation is part of the grieving process.
A few helpful hints
DON'T hide your feelings, rush into funeral arrangements, make major life changes, neglect yourself, enter into any financial arrangements, hurry yourself into overcoming your grief, let others rush you, turn to drugs, smoking or alcohol.
DO express your feelings, talk through what has happened with someone you feel comfortable with, contact a support group if you need help, take good care of yourself, choose a funeral director you like and trust, contact your doctor if you feel unwell, keep in touch with family and friends.