The death of a loved one can be devastating and affects people in different ways. Grief and mourning is a natural process and although at the time it can often feel all-consuming, it is important to remember that it passes with time.

Bereavement may affect you emotionally, physically, mentally and also affect the way you relate to others. Although death affects people in different ways and to varying extents, it is widely recognised that there are four stages of bereavement.

• Accepting that your loss is real
• Experiencing the pain of grief
• Adjusting to life without the person who has died
• Putting less emotional energy into grieving and putting it into something new (in other words, moving on)

It should however be noted that the mourning process is not linear and individuals may jump between the four stages or visit them a number of times.

Coping with bereavement

Following the death of a loved one we have to cope and adjust to living in a world which has irreversibly changed forever. It’s a gradual process and one that is highly personal to the individual. Talking and sharing your feelings is important but in some cases it isn’t possible to rely on family or friends. In this instance we encourage you visit your GP who in turn will sign post you to your local bereavement counselling service. Alternatively you can contact CRUSE, the national bereavement service, who offers confidential one to one meetings, telephone support and group support.

If you have recently experienced the death of a loved one and require time away from work please discuss the option of compassionate leave with your line manager.

For further information in relations to grief and bereavement please click on the following images or alternatively select the internal and external support tabs.