Bereavement

Everyone will experience sadness or grief at some time in their lives. Grief is a process that always occurs after loss, be it loss of a relative or friend through death, or loss of a relationship when it breaks down. There are several stages: an initial period of numbness lasting from hours to a couple of weeks, which gives way to a mixture of sadness, anger, bewilderment, hopelessness and yearning. Over an extended period of time this reaction gradually moves on to acceptance of the loss.

Feeling sad is just as natural as being happy. In times of difficulty, it is more healthy to allow yourself to feel sad than to pretend nothing has happened. Many people are brought up to 'pull themselves together' and get on with their lives; this can make it difficult for them to show their feelings, to cry or to ask for help. If you're coping with a loss, you will need people to help you confront your fears of the unknown. It is important you're able to share your grief with a close friend, a family member or, if necessary, a trained counsellor.

Treatment is available at: