Bereavement
How do I cope?
It is common to have some or all of these feelings. They can be very strong and frightening at times. To help you to cope ask for help from friends, family or, maybe, a support group. Talk about how you are feeling - sad, angry, or guilty. Accept that things are beyond your control. Give yourself time and permission to grieve. Major decisions and changes should be avoided, these can be stressful and your judgement may be affected.
What if I am not coping?
Sometimes grieving is especially difficult. Some people find it impossible to acknowledge the bereavement at all. Others are unable to move on thus making it impossible to rebuild their lives.
Some factors can make this more likely:
- men can find grieving far more difficult
- several previous bereavements
- lack of support from friends and family
- low self esteem
- a history of mental illness
- a dependent relationship with the person who has died
Also some circumstances may make this more difficult:
- sudden or unexpected death
- the death of a parent when you are young
- the death of a baby or a miscarriage
- death involving murder, or more than one death
- situations involving a post mortem or inquest
- death where the bereaved may have some responsibility