Bereavement
Nothing can prepare us for the loss of an adult, child, baby or even a pet.
Bereavement is about trying to accept what has happened, piecing together our lives and adjusting to life without them. Accepting the loss can sometimes be really difficult. Trying to make sense that the person is no longer around in your life, you may feel that your whole world has fallen apart and that you can't go on without them. A sense of real loneliness, it's as if you've stood still, when all around you life goes on.
Other feelings you may have are:
- Denial
- Anger
- Emptiness
- Fear
- Sadness
- Forgetfulness
- Relief
- Loss of appetite
All these feelings are quite normal during bereavement.
People from the same family may experience different emotions, even when they are mourning the loss of the same person. Support from family and friends, local churches or groups, can all play a vital role in taking away some of the pain you may be feeling.
Sometimes people who are grieving find it hard to talk to family or friends. They may feel embarrassed, or that people won't understand why they are still grieving, especially if they have gone back to work.
This is when you may consider seeing your GP or a counsellor.
It is important to understand that there is no time span during a bereavement, everyone's reaction to grief is different.