Bereavement

But although bereavement is a highly personal and often traumatic event, many people go through a range of recognisable reactions and emotions when someone they are close to dies.

Sometimes people are shocked and upset by their changing and violent emotions when they are bereaved. Realising that these feelings are quite normal may help.

The first part of our Bereavement guide should give you some idea of the range of experiences many people go through.

The second part of the guide, starting on page 12, covers some of the practical things that need to be done when someone dies, such as registering the death, arranging the funeral and dealing with the estate.

Grief

Grief knocks you off balance emotionally, physically and mentally. If the death had been expected, you tell yourself you should be able to cope, but you can’t. You think you’re over it, and you’re not. You think you should feel all right because you have family and friends looking out for you – but you don’t feel all right because no one can replace the person who has died.

 For more information, download our information guide about bereavement (PDF 1 MB)

Download our information guide 'When someone dies' (PDF 538KB)