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Grief and Bereavement

What is Grief?

Grief is the word used to describe our emotional response to loss. You may associate grieving with a range of losses, including loss of a family member, loss of a job or loss of a relationship. It is particularly relevant today, as we are all experiencing some form of loss during this pandemic, but more importantly some of us may have experienced the loss of a loved one to the virus or other causes.

This information sheet has been made to help you understand your grief and to be able to find the appropriate resources for your circumstance.

The Grieving Process

There is no right or wrong way to grieve; everyone has a different way of dealing with their loss. How you grieve depends on many factors including your coping style, your personality, your faith, your life experience and how significant the loss was to you.

This process will take time and the healing happens gradually. It is important not to force of hurry the grieving process. For some people this could take weeks, for some months and other years, so be patient with yourself and allow the grief to naturally unfold.

How to Deal with the Grieving Process

  1. Acknowledge the pain.
  2. Accept that grief can trigger many different and unexpected emotions.
  3. Understand that each grieving process will be unique to each person.
  4. Seek support from people who care about you.
  5. Looking after yourself emotionally and physically.
  6. Recognise the difference between grief and depression.

Symptoms

These are some of the symptoms you may or may not experience during your grieving process.

Emotional Symptoms

Physical Symptoms
Shock and disbelief Fatigue/Aches and Pains
Sadness Nausea
Guilt Lowered immunity
Anger Weight loss
Fear Insomnia

Support

If you are experiencing grief and loss it is important to seek the appropriate support.

You may get the support from family and friends, a support group or a counsellor, but there are also online resources that provide useful information and support.

Cruse Bereavement Care

Phone: 0808 080 1677 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)

Email: helpline@cruse.org.uk

Website: www.cruse.org.uk

The Compassionate Friends

Phone: 0345 123 2304 (10am-4pm and 7pm to 10pm)

Email: helpline@tcf.org.uk

Website: www.tcf.org.uk

Sudden

Phone: 0800 2600 400 (Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm)

Email: help@sudden.org

Website: www.sudden.org

Child Bereavement

Phone: 0800 02 888 40 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)

Email: support@childbereavementuk.org

Website: www.childbereavementuk.org

Samaritans

Phone: 116123 (24 hours)

Website: www.samaritans.org

BEAD (Bereaved through Alcohol and Drugs)

Website: www.beadproject.org.uk

As well as these online resources you can also talk to us here at the school, there are a number of staff that are here in school to help you. Please contact your Head of Year if you would like some support