What is bereavement/loss?

Bereavement is the period of grief and mourning after someone close to you dies. It describes the emotional state and time when a person is coping with the loss of a loved one. Grief and grieving are the feelings (sadness, anger, confusion, etc.) caused by the loss. Mourning is the ways people express grief (funerals, rituals, remembrance). Normal grief, such as an anticipated death is characterised by natural emotional responses to loss, typically involving waves of sadness, anger, guilt, and disbelief that eventually subside, allowing a return to daily functioning.

However, some people may experience complicated grief, or prolonged grief, which can occur when deaths are violent, unexpected, or traumatic and can contribute to symptoms similar to depression. Although painful, some individuals eventually experience post-traumatic growth, in the form of greater emotional resilience, stronger relationships and a deeper appreciation of life.

Over time, many people gradually adapt to the loss and find ways to continue life while remembering the deceased. Psychologist and author, J. William Warden calls this process, The Tasks of Mourning (Worden, 2009). 

Grief and grieving can impact our emotional, physical, social, and psychological mindset, including:

• Sadness 
• Shock or disbelief, especially soon after the death
• Anger or guilt
• Anxiety or fear about the future
• Loneliness or emptiness
• Fatigue or low energy
• Changes in appetite (eating more or less)
• Sleep problems or insomnia
• Weakened immune system
• Headaches or body aches
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Feeling disconnected from friends or family
• Changes in family roles (for example after losing a parent or partner)
• Financial stress if the deceased was a provider
• At the same time, some people find stronger support networks during grief.
• Difficulty focusing
• Forgetfulness
• Confusion or “brain fog”
• Constant thoughts about the person who died

To speak to a qualified counsellor in Stirling please contact me on 07762 459479 or complete the form below.