Experiencing grief or bereavement

Whenever the death of a friend or loved one happens, it can be an extremely difficult and challenging time. This is likely to be even more prominent for those experiencing bereavement and grief during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The bereaved may struggle with a mixture of different emotions not just because someone has died but with the social distancing measures in place. This might mean you cannot say goodbye in the way you would have liked and could be particularly hard for those isolating alone, and for whom it may be harder to connect with usual support networks.

The bereaved could feel waves of intense emotions as they try to come to terms with death. These can include denial, sadness, guilt, shock and anger. All are common and there is no right or wrong way to feel. Grief affects everyone in different ways but the important thing is to grieve and to have the right support to do this. Bereavement Care is here to help support you, your family and friends, it’s good to talk.

Learn more about grief and the support available through our own Bereavement Care at bereavementcare.uk or call 08081691922

Additional information and support is available through:

NHS; Cruse Bereavement Care (offers advice and support on dealing with bereavement and grief during the coronavirus outbreak);

ataloss.org (provides signposting and services across the UK).

If you are supporting a bereaved child or young person the Childhood Bereavement Network has information and links to national and local organisations.