How to feel better after someone you care about dies

How to feel better again after someone you care about dies

A man and a woman are sitting at a table having a hot drink and a cake. The man is crying and thinking about someone who has died

When a close friend or relative dies it is called being bereaved.

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Bereavement which means being bereaved, makes you have lots of different feelings and emotions.

It is normal to feel these emotions which are called grief.

Grief can make you sad, quiet and even angry about the person who has died.

A woman is comforting a young woman who is sad whilst they share a hot drink and a cake at a table.

Grief is different for everyone and it takes time for someone to feel better again.

A man is slumped forward looking sad in a chair next to a Christmas tree

You can have feelings of grief for months or even years after someone has died.

For example, on their birthday or at Christmas you may get memories that remind you of that person which make you sad again.

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There are things you can do to help yourself feel better

Talk to someone you trust like a friend, a carer or a relative about your feelings.

A man with his head in his hands is talking to a woman. They are sitting on opposite sides of a coffee table.

2. Visit a counsellor who can help you talk about your grief.

A counsellor is a professional who supports people to talk about, and understand their feelings.

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If you visit a counsellor you might find it helpful to take someone you trust with you to help you answer their questions.

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3. Join a local grief support group to help you talk about your grief.

When you visit a support group people will listen to you and share their own experiences.

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4. Keep yourself fit and healthy by eating and sleeping well.

Taking regular exercise will also help you keep fit and well.

Exercise is doing things like walking, running, swimming and playing outdoor games.

A man with a shovel next to some flowers.

5. Try to keep doing the things you would normally do each week like visiting friends, gardening, or going to the shops.

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Where to find further bereavement information and advice

Visit the Books Beyond Words website . Books Beyond Words publish picture books for people with a learning disability about many different things including bereavement.

Phone: 020 8877 9799
Email: [email protected]

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Visit the RESPOND website. RESPOND provide therapy to people with learning disabilities who have had bad experiences. They also offer training and support to carers.

Phone: 0808 808 07 00

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Contact Mencap's Learning Disability Helpline for further advice and information.