Bereavement UK Self Help & Support
Here a few guidelines for self help in the early days after a bereavement and for the weeks ahead.
1. You are an individual and how you feel and manage your grief will be as individual and unique as your relationship with the deceased.
2. Try to rest as much as you can, grieving the death of a loved one can be physically mentally and emotionally exhausting. Rest when you feel tired and if you are finding sleeping difficult at your usual bedtime time don’t try to force yourself get up try to take a warm drink and practice gentle breathing exercises these will relieve anxiety.
3. Don’t rush into things, take your time, e kind to yourself and don’t allow the well meaning others to pressurise you into any decisions that you feel unable to make.
4. You may not feel like eating, you may not be able to keep food down, Don’t
Worry. Keep your fluid intake up, if inability to eat persists do consult your
Doctor.
5 Aches pains and physical illness such as diaorreah and sickness, may occur as a result of shock if they continue for longer 24 hours consult your doctor.
6 Don’t avoid your grief by excessive drinking or taking of drugs this will only postpone the feelings and increase anxieties.
7 Give yourself permission to take things slowly don’t rush back to your usual routines or work a gentle return to everyday chores is better than trying to do too much and exhausting yourself.
8 Talk - Share your feelings, be honest, talking to a trusted friend, someone who is prepared to listen will be of huge benefit. If you do not have anyone to talk to there are many helping agencies who offer support. Members of Bereavement UK have access to on line e-mail support with Alex James and may contact her 24/7 365 days per year - Alex answers all emails within 24 hours.
