The death of someone we love can be a shattering experience.  We face the painful and demanding task of coping with loss and separation. At the same time there is the challenge of daily living and finding a new sense of purpose.  This takes time ? often much longer than we expect.

During the grieving process these are some of the emotions and feelings commonly experienced:

• Sadness
• Longing
• Feeling of helplessness
• Guilt
• Anger
• Fear
• Numbness
• Physical pain or sickness

With time, and the support of friends, family and other groups, the pain of loss will normally become less sharp and people usually find that their grief eases.

As we get older, we may experience an increase in the number of bereavements we have in our life. We may lose the very people who have helped us cope with difficulties earlier in our life. This can be a challenge.

Although not easy, many people find a way to adjust to these losses.

• Talk to friends and family about the person you have lost
• Build supports to help you cope at this time - people you can talk to and spend time with
• Allow yourself time and permission to grieve
• Take care of yourself
• Give yourself permission to return to some of the normal aspects of your life - this will help you cope.
• Find ways to commemorate and remember the person you lost. 

For more information on coping with bereavement, visit the Self-Help Section