IYSS

Bereavement

When someone close to you dies it's known as bereavement.  It's not something that happens only to older people, it can happen to young people and children as well.  It can be the death of a parent, grandparent, brother, sister or close friend.  The feelings you suffer are known as grief.  Even the loss of a pet can cause you to grieve.
 

It’s normal to feel sad and confused when you have to deal with a death.  Death is upsetting and can stir up all sorts of emotions that are hard to handle or understand.  You can feel sad, tearful, angry, bewildered, depressed and very alone, even when you’re surrounded by people.  These feelings are normal when you have lost someone close to you.  The trouble is that lots of people find it difficult or embarrassing to talk about death which means that sometimes family or friends are unable to help you just when you need them most.

Where can I get help?

If you don't feel you can get the help you need from family or friends, there are organisations you can contact where people who understand how you are feeling will listen to you.  They can offer advice to help you cope with the grief you are suffering.  Remember - you are not alone.