INTRODUCTION
This information sheet aims to help you to understand some of the emotions which may be faced during a bereavement or loss, to make some practical suggestions which may help you to get through this difficult time and to offer some basic details of what needs to be done when there is a death. At the end there are some addresses and telephone numbers of organisations which may be helpful to you. This is quite a lengthy information sheet. We suggest you find a quiet place and make a cup of tea before reading this any further.SHARED EXPERIENCES
Serious loss is something which we will all face at some time in our life. It can seem difficult to know what is 'normal' and to understand how we or our families may respond when we face a loss. You may think you are the only person who has felt the way you do. Whilst everyone's response to a loss is a very individual experience, there are some common and shared experiences that many people will share.EARLY THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS AFTER LOSS
People often describe shock soon after a loss. They may feel numb, panicky, very weepy or unable to cry at all. Some people find it difficult to sleep; others may have many physical symptoms such as heart palpitations. Some people find they calmly go through the practical tasks surrounding the death, and worry that they may be seen as uncaring. This is just one of the signs of shock and it is most likely that they will feel the impact of the death at a later point. Some people find themselves completely unable to cope and need a lot of practical and emotional support from those around them at this point.FEELINGS SOME MONTHS AFTER LOSS
Some people feel a sense of agitation for quite a long time after the death. People may become very active at this time doing things like cleaning out the whole house. This agitation can sometimes amount to panic and symptoms of anxiety such as breathlessness, palpitations, dry mouth, tingling and dizziness can be present. People may feel they are 'going mad' because they have such odd experiences. People often report that they thought they saw, heard or felt the dead person near them or in the distance. These experiences are not unusual following a death. These feelings may alternate with depression, weepiness, tiredness and low mood.GUILT AND ANGER
Some people may feel guilt, and review the circumstances of the death, and their relationship with the deceased. They may wonder what they could have done differently which might have helped the situation. This is also common when there has been relief at someone’s death following a painful and prolonged illness. It is worth remembering that many people feel relief when suffering ends. People also often do feel angry after a death. This can be directed at the deceased person "why has he left me"? or at those around. Family members or people involved in caring for the dying person may receive the anger of the bereaved person, "why did you not do more?"OTHER PEOPLES REACTIONS
Other people's reaction may be difficult for the bereaved person. Sometimes people will be clumsy in what they say or do. Occasionally people will avoid contact with the bereaved person. These reactions are usually because people do not know what to do or say in the face of someone's grief. Sometimes other people do not realise that it can take a long time to begin to recover from a death.TAKE TIME
Coming to terms with a death is a very gradual process which can take a considerable time. People usually find that gradually they are able to get on with their lives and think a little less about the person they have lost. Most people begin to feel like this within one or two years of the death of someone close to them. It may be difficult to accept the death of a loved one but nonetheless be able to move on with life in spite of this. Talk to people about how you feel. Don't bottle things up. Go to your doctor if you feel you have no one you can talk to, he or she may suggest speaking to a counsellor.FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
Funeral arrangements should be considered carefully. Try to have someone with you. Don't feel pressured into an over-expensive funeral for your budget. Try and think about what you really want. Carefully consider whether you want to see the body of the deceased person. Some people may feel this is too distressing but can regret it at a later point if they have not done this. Follow your own feelings. There is no right or wrong thing to do, but do think it out.REBUILDING LIFE
It is important not to feel guilty if you are beginning to build a life for yourself following a death. It is quite normal to begin to recover and start to rebuild your life, and is not in any way disloyal to the memory of the person who has died. Don't make major changes in your life, such as selling your house, moving areas, jobs, etc, until you have had time to adjust to the death. This is a time when people may make changes they can regret.HEALTH AND WELFARE
Do make sure you look after your own health. This is a time when you may become prone to illness. Eat well, rest properly, take extra care. You may want to take vitamin supplements if your appetite is very poor. If your health is not good, consult your doctor. Talk to family, friends or your doctor. Do not turn to drinking to get you over this difficult time. Your doctor may offer you tranquillisers to help you through the early phase following the death. They can make you feel calmer and may be helpful to you in the short term but are not helpful for longer term use. Some people find that the numbing effect of tranquillisers does not allow them to experience grief during this time. Antidepressants can be helpful if the depression following bereavement becomes severe or prolonged. Do not enter into new financial arrangements without proper advice. Take a friend or family member. If you feel you are stuck or not coping at all well with your grief then contact your doctor to discuss this. Other organisations which may help are listed at the end of this booklet. Accept invitations, invite people keep in touch with family and friends. Keep up contacts and relationships. Find out about local events/clubs/classes. Ask for help if you feel you are not coping.HELP FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Family and friends can help at this difficult time. Spend time with the bereaved person if that is what they want. Talk and listen to the bereaved person, don't be afraid of saying the wrong thing - this is a situation many of us feel awkward about. It may help to admit that you don't know what to say if that is how you feel. Plan what you will do on anniversaries such as birthdays, Christmas, anniversary of death. It will help to decide how you want to spend these occasions which are likely to be emotional times. Don't be surprised if the bereaved person wants to talk over the same ground again and again. This is quite usual. Don't take anger or irritability personally. It's part of the bereavement reaction. Talking about the deceased person can be helpful for the grieving person. Don't try and avoid mentioning them in everyday conversation. Offer practical help if the bereaved person wants this. Caring for children, help with shopping, etc, may be useful especially in the early days following a death. Don't expect too much of the bereaved person initially even if they look as if they are coping. Include your relative in social events. Support your relative in building new links, social contact and interests. Try to discourage this bereaved person from making any major decisions, such as moving home, soon after the death. Support them in thinking through the options and implications of this. If your friend or relative seems 'stuck' and not coping at all well, encourage them to seek help. The family doctor is a good place to start. Other organisations that may help are listed at the end of this booklet.GOOD LUCK
USEFUL ORGANISATIONS
Compassionate Friends (support for parents following the death of a child at any age)
53 North Street, Bristol, BS3 1EN
Tel (Helpline): 0117 953 9639 Web: www.tcf.org.uk
CRUSE Bereavement Care
126 Sheen Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 1UR
Tel (Helpline/Information): 0870 167 1677
Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (cot death)
Artillery House, 11-19 Artillery Row, London, SW1P 1RT
Tel (Helpline): 020 7233 2090 Web: www.sids.org.uk/fsid/
Miscarriage Association
c/o Clayton Hospital, Northgate, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 3JS
Tel (Helpline): 01924 200799 Web: www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk
Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society
28 Portland Place, London, W1N 4DE
Tel (Helpline): 020 7436 5881 Web: www.uk-sands.org
