Losing a family member (a person or a pet) can suddenly turn a person’s world upside down. There may be aspects they are not yet able to understand, to accept or they may not have the capacity to share their focus around accepting some form of closure and juggling other aspects in their life.
Everybody deals with loss differently and feelings associated with the processing and acceptance can stay for varying amounts of time, as well as pop back into the mind when least expected.
If you become aware of someone who would benefit from some additional support, initiate conversation – let them know that you are available to listen and that you care. If they would like further support, you could signpost them to any of the following specialists:
- www.cruse.org.uk
- https://support.sueryder.org/community/coping-bereavement
- www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/coping-with-bereavement/
- My Name is Zac (child’s comic style booklet on loss)
Mental Health First Aiders are people who have gained an increase undertanding of Mental Health illnesses and as such have an increased confidence in having conversations that reduce the stigma of Mental Wellbeing as well as having a comprehensive resource they can can use easily further signpost people. A range of courses can be seen at the MHFA England website.
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