Coping with bereavement
You're probably reading this information because someone close to you has died recently. Coping with loss can be extremely hard and you may find that you’re dealing with lots of different feelings, finding it hard to process them and having difficulties moving on.
What can I do to cope with my feelings after losing my loved one?
Grief can make you feel many different things. It’s important to remember that these feelings are not bad or wrong. They are a normal part of bereavement, and there are no quick answers to how you might be feeling.
Coping with fear
Feeling fearful and anxious is natural – your familiar world has been turned upside down. You may feel that you have little control over your life, your thoughts and emotions. This is likely to make you feel vulnerable and afraid. But as you get used to coping, in time, you will begin to feel more capable of dealing with your changed circumstances.
Something that might help: If you are feeling overwhelmed by fearful thoughts or anxiety, it could help to talk to someone about how you are feeling. Read our section below on where to go for support and help.
Coping with emptiness and depression
Feelings of depression and emptiness can hit you when the reality of the death begins to sink in. Although it may feel almost unbearable at the time, this seems to be a period when some inner healing takes place. Afterwards, people say they feel lighter, more in control of their lives and better able to look forward.
Sadness is a natural response to bereavement, but some people may become depressed. You don’t have to try to cope on your own and help is available if you are struggling with depression.
Something that might help: You can see your doctor for help and advice. Remember that you can phone Samaritans, day or night, on 08457 90 90 90
Coping with anger
You may feel anger at the injustice of your loss, or at the lack of understanding in others. You might be angry at yourself and at the person who died, who has left you feeling abandoned, frightened and alone. These feelings are normal.
Something that might help: Don’t bottle up your feelings – try to think about the reasons for your anger. Talking about your feelings with someone who isn’t emotionally involved in your loss can help.
Coping with guilt
Some people experience feelings of guilt when someone dies. You may find yourself wondering if you could have done more to help, or feeling guilty about something you said or didn’t say to them when they were alive.
Something that might help: Guilt is a natural emotion after bereavement, but it’s important not to dwell on things in the past that you can’t change. Try not to be too hard on yourself or anyone else.
Coping with loneliness
You may feel as though the person who died has left a big hole in your life, and this can leave you feeling lonely, especially if you spent a lot of your time with them.
Something that might help: Make the most of every opportunity to spend time with other people, keep in touch with friends and family, have a holiday or volunteer to help out with a good cause.
I’m finding it hard to cope as I feel so tired and drained.
You may find that you experience physical changes after bereavement. These can include:
- difficulty getting to sleep
- vivid dreams
- long periods of wakefulness
- loss of appetite
- feeling tense and short of breath, or edgy and restless
- feeling slow and lethargic.
You’re likely to feel exhausted, especially if you were caring for the person who died or if you went through an anxious time before their death. Strong emotions and dealing with all the practical things that need to be done after a death can also leave you tired and drained.
Something that might help: Take extra care of yourself – try to eat well and get some rest even if you can’t sleep. Take gentle exercise if you can. Be kind to yourself – don’t try to do too much while you’re grieving.
I’m finding it difficult to stay on top of the practical things I need to do.
In addition to the strong emotions that you may feel after a bereavement, you may also be worrying about practical issues, such as how to manage on a smaller income and handle household tasks.
You might find these things helpful:
- Find out if you can get any bereavement benefits to give you some extra money
- Use our benefits calculator to see if you are eligible to claim anything which could boost your income
- If you’re worried about keeping up with the housework, talk to your local Age UK to see if they offer any services or know where you could get some help (you may have to pay for this).
Where can I find more help and support?
Help and support from others, especially those who have gone through a similar loss, may help you to cope with your bereavement.
There are befriending and other support services in many areas – ask at your place of worship, if you have one, or your local Age UK, doctor’s surgery or local library, or search online for local services.
Find professional help
For support, practical advice or just someone to chat to about how you’re feeling
Age NI Advice Service
Every year our Advice Service deals with thousands of calls from older people in need. Call us today to make sure that you are receiving all the help and support available to you.