When to Get Bereavement Support

Moving forward with your life after a loved has died will take time. While some prefer grieving alone, finding bereavement support during this time can be an important part of your recovery.

Your experience of grief is unique to you and can sometimes differ from the experiences of others. This can make it difficult to know when you need the help of a bereavement support specialist.

Grief can be unpredictable and some of these feelings can be similar to the symptoms of clinical depression, although the two are different. If you are feeling overwhelmed, talking to your physician could be the first step in helping determine the support that’s right for you.

When you should seek bereavement support

You should consider seeking professional support if you are showing any of these symptoms or signs of grief:

• Finding it extremely hard to get out of bed
• Neglecting yourself and your family
• Refusing to attend the funeral
• Isolating yourself and having intense mood swings for an extended time after the funeral
• Using tasks to distract yourself from grieving
• Avoiding conversations about your loved one or about anything that reminds you of them
• Using alcohol or drugs more frequently
• Feeling like you can’t move on with your life without your loved one
• Not being able to do everyday activities

It is important to understand that these symptoms are most common among the recently bereaved. However, if these signs persist for an extended period of time, professional counselling from a loss and bereavement support organisation can really help.

Therapy can be really beneficial, even years after the death of a loved one. Grief support can help combat the feelings of sadness, depression and anxiety, empowering you to engage more in positive activities and help you to relax.

If you would like to get in contact with a bereavement support specialist, visit our bereavement support listings page.