Bereavement Counselling in London | Treatment & Therapy

Bereavement is defined as the feeling of a deep and unexplainable loss that is triggered by the passing of family member, close friend, or a loved one. The individual may experience an intense emotional turmoil that triggers distress. Bereavement can also accompany a loss such as declination in your health or the ending of a significant relationship. Grief is the act of responding to the loss.

There are 5 stages of grief after a loss: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. Bereavement and grief are subjective to each person and the healing process is not linear. Grief can be processed through mental, emotional, and physical experiences. Mental reactions can include processing feelings of anger, guilt, anxiety, sadness, and despair. Physical reactions can include changes in sleep pattern, appetite, or experiencing illness. Social reactions can include various and intense feelings about seeing family or friends or returning to work.

Grief processes are subjective and will depend on the nature of the relationship with the person who died, the situation surrounding the death, and the strength of the relationship you had with the person who died. Mourning is defined as the way the person adapts to the loss. The process of mourning can have influences from society, religion, customs and rituals. Response to loss will depend on circumstances surrounding the loss.

Coping with Grief

Self-care for grief can begin by giving yourself time and support to heal. Allow yourself to acknowledge the loss and allow yourself to experience the emotions that accompany the loss, both positive and negative. Don’t refrain from crying. Crying is a positive and healthy way to process grief. You can artistic expressions such as writing or journaling to process grief. Support groups or speaking with someone you trust can be helpful to identify and process grief. Lastly, be patient with yourself and allow yourself the time to heal.