The loss of a key public figure can have a powerful impact on us, and some people may have been reminded of past losses within their own close family or friends. While everyone experiences grief differently, our blog on understanding feelings of loss can be a useful starting point to cope with your grief and learn how to heal.
Others might feel destabilised; it’s another change following years of uncertainty. If it feels like you’re moving from one emotional state to another in light of recent news, it might help to read one of our earlier blogs about how to cope with continued uncertainty.
Feeling numb is also a normal response to grief and loss; this is our mind’s way of helping us to process what’s happened at our own pace, and access our feelings when we’re ready.
While it may seem like we’re all going through a collective experience right now, everyone's reaction will be individual and personal to them. There’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to respond after someone dies, and however you feel – even if you don’t feel strongly at all – it’s OK. We should try not to judge ourselves or others.
Ultimately, grief has its own journey; there’s no time limit, and we can’t predict or force it. Allowing yourself to acknowledge and process your feelings of sadness will help you to move through them. However, a bereavement can sometimes trigger mental health difficulties, such as depression or anxiety.
If you do find yourself struggling with feelings of bereavement or heightened anxiety, you may benefit from reaching out for support from one of these organisations:
- Samaritans: 116 123
- Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258
- Cruse Bereavement Support: 0808 808 1677
- Mind: 0300 123 3393
- Hub of Hope: hubofhope.co.uk
- Good Grief Trust: thegoodgrieftrust.org
There’s no specific cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) treatment for grief, as it’s a natural process, but if it’s accompanied by significant low mood, distress or anxiety then CBT can help you to manage your feelings. Find out more about accessing online CBT from ieso here.
Getting Support
If you’re finding your mental health harder to manage, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can offer practical tools for everyday life. At Mindler (previously ieso), we provide free, confidential online appointments through the NHS with a qualified therapist that you can access from the comfort of your home, with flexible times that suit you.
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