Coping with bereavement and grief at Christmas
Christmas can be a painful time for those who are grieving. This might be the first Christmas since your loss, or it may be that this time of year brings back sad memories of someone you lost long ago.
We know too that the festive period this year will be even more difficult for many people. You may feel alone and isolated at a time when you need people around you. It is more important than ever to try to look after yourself this year and reach out to those who can support and help you.
Please know that help is at hand for Londoners going through bereavement this Christmas, often just a phone call away. It is important to remember that there are people around you who want to help and do take them up on any offers of support. We’ve put together a separate guide on how to stay connected during this time.
Earlier this year, we published a detailed resource on sudden bereavement, including specific information around support for young people, older people and LGBTQI+ people. The Mayor of London has a helpful guide for coping with grief and bereavement due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
With the festive period in mind, we have listed just a few organisations and resources here to help you through this time.
If you would like to talk to someone who understands bereavement, the Cruse Bereavement Line on 0808 808 1677 is open all over Christmas.
AtALoss is the UK’s signposting website for the bereaved which enables you to search for services within your area. You can use the website to specify who you have lost and who in your family requires support, as well as your location, to help you find the support most appropriate to your needs.
Similarly, The Good Grief Trust has an interactive UK map with services and bereavement support organisations. They also have a huge range of helpful resources and guidance for those experiencing loss and bereavement too.
Sudden offer a phone-based service for people bereaved suddenly by suicide, COVID-19, or any other cause. They can be reached on 0800 2600 400. Christmas hours may differ, so please check their website before you call.
Whoever you are and whatever you’re facing, Samaritans are always there so you don’t have to face it alone. You can call 116 123, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Bereavement affects everyone in different ways, and it’s possible to experience any range of emotions. There is no right or wrong way to feel. Grief can affect us physically as well as emotionally. Try, however you can, to eat well and keep to a routine with a little fresh air and light exercise each day over the Christmas period. You could use this time to rest and catch up any sleep you may have lost. Be kind to yourself.
The mental health charity Mind has put together a Christmas and coronavirus page on its website, packed with useful information on bereavement and other covid-specific topics, such money worries and frustration over lockdown measures, along with ideas of how to enjoy Christmas if you are feeling lonely or stressed.
For more support, we have put together a range of tools and resources to help support your mental health and wellbeing, from advice on handling money worries to free NHS-approved apps from Good Thinking to help you deal with stress, anxiety, low mood and poor sleep. You’ll also find a list of six simple things you can do to keep yourself well, and ways to get support if you are finding things especially difficult.
If you have experienced loss, whether during the COVID-19 pandemic or in the past, we offer our heartfelt condolences. Know that you are not alone, the sad reality is that many of us have lost people we love in this very difficult year.
We hope that you can find a way to get the support and help that you need over this difficult Christmas period. Do reach out to any of the organisations we have listed here.