Bereavement support

When you lose someone close to you, you might feel many different things. Grief and mourning are a normal part of bereavement.

This information will help you to find support if you have lost someone or if you are helping someone else cope with a bereavement.

Dealing with grief

There is no right or wrong way to deal with grief. What you may be feeling now is entirely normal. Bereavement is different for everyone, but many people experience similar things, such as:

• Feelings of disbelief
• Difficulty sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Forgetfulness
• Poor concentration

Some people also talk about having intense feelings, including:

• Distress
• Yearning or searching
• Sadness and loneliness
• Anxiety
• Anger or guilt
• Flashbacks and nightmares

As you move through the pain of your grief you can take steps to feeling more hopeful, as you adjust to life without the person who has died

Get further information on how to support yourself at www.ataloss.org.

Find support

If you feel you need additional support, there are many ways to get help. Volunteer bereavement support workers, self-help groups, faith groups and community groups can all provide support. You can also seek professional counselling if you feel like you need it.

You can find these groups in the following ways:

• Search for support groups using the Norfolk Community Directory
• The Ataloss website can help you find National groups and services
• The Cruse Bereavement Care website offers a helpful tool that can help you identify what type of support will be best for you
• If you would like professional counselling, the first step is to speak to your GP.

If you have lost a child or young person, go to our support for bereaved children, young people and parents.

Supporting someone who has experienced a loss

There are small things that everyone can do to help someone who is grieving. Often it can be as simple as just being there to listen and letting them share their feelings. These things can mean a lot to a bereaved person.

For more advice on how you can help, visit these sites:

• Cruse – supporting other people
• Marie Curie – Supporting a grieving friend or relative