Grief

When people grieve, they all do so in different ways. Some avoid talking about how they feel and find it difficult to express their emotions. However, finding people to talk to is a healthy way of coping, especially when you have lost someone close to you.

You will need to make a decision about who you choose to talk to.

Family members may be good to open up to as they may have similar experiences.

Close friends may not have experienced something similar but they can still be a source of comfort and support.

Additionally many schools in Wiltshire have a school counsellor whom you can talk to you and get support from.

• If they want to, bereaved people can cry and talk about their feelings without fear of being judged.
• There may be practical support a friend or family member could offer like helping with general housework, cooking and other chores.
• There isn’t a limit on how long someone should grieve for but it is important they are allowed enough time to grieve.

• Although you may lose your appetite, your body still needs food so try to keep eating as normally as possible.
• Exercising regularly is good for you and can help you sleep better (as long as you don’t do vigorous exercise too close to bedtime). It may also give you some relief to focus on something physical while you are experiencing an emotional time.

Spending time with your friends and keeping up your normal social routines will give you the opportunity to talk to others if you feel like it whilst also helping you take your mind off things. You shouldn’t feel guilty about having a good time with your friends as this will help with your overall wellbeing.

The use of alcohol and drugs may feel like an option for coping when someone close to you is no longer around, but the long term effects are not good and alcohol and drugs won’t allow you to properly grieve over your loss.