Dealing with Bereavement

Bereavement is a very personal and complex experience.

Bereavement is a very personal and complex experience. It is increasingly recognised that no two people respond the same way to the losses associated with the death of a loved one. People's reactions to a death are influenced by such factors as ethnic or religious traditions; personal beliefs about life after death; the type of relationship ended by death (relative, friend, colleague, etc.); the cause of death; the person's age at death; whether the death was sudden or expected; and many others. In addition, the death of a loved one inevitably confronts adults with the fact that they too will die.

Bereavement counselling is a specialised type of counselling that involves supporting individuals who have experienced the loss of a loved one. This counselling helps them work through their grief as well as perhaps learn coping mechanisms to help them when they are on their own. Bereavement counselling is recommended for anyone, of any age, whose loss seems overwhelming or whose life is being adversely affected by their grief.

Support groups and organisation

bereavement funeral directors

You may find that the support of others helps at this time. There are bereavement care and support groups, which some people find both comforting and useful.

Cruse:

Samaritans:

  • 028 71265511 (Derry/ Londonderry)
  • 028 7032 0000 (Coleraine)
  • samaritans.org

Western Trust Bereavement Support Services