How do I cope with bereavement?

Bereavement is about coming to terms with loss. When a loved one dies you may feel a range of different emotions.

These could include sadness, anger, anxiety or grief or, especially in the early stages of loss, nothing at all.

You may want to talk to a trusted friend or family member, or have contact with a spiritual or faith leader.

Alternatively, you may like to consider contacting your Parkinson’s nurse or GP, who will be able to put you in touch with a local organisation that can offer you support.

If you have been caring for a loved one, it may be difficult to come to terms with the loss of your caring role. When you’re ready, it may help you to think about what to do next.

Volunteering, learning something new, or returning to work are some of the ways in which you can focus your mind on something new, use existing skills or socialise.

Useful contacts

Befriending Network

Befriending Network offers supportive, reliable relationships through volunteer befrienders to anyone who is socially isolated.

Carers UK

The Carers UK website has information on coping when caring ends.

Care for the Family

Care for the Family helps those facing family difficulties, including bereavement.

Child Bereavement Network

Child Bereavement Network support for bereaved children and young people, their parents and carers.

Cruse Bereavement Network

Cruse Bereavement Network offers help to bereaved people, whatever their age, nationality or belief. Also offers free counselling services.

Hope Again – Cruse Youth Bereavement Service

Hope Again is designed for young people by young people, to offer support after the death of a loved one.

Winston’s Wish

Winston's Wish is a child bereavement charity that helps young people readjust to life after the death of a parent or sibling.

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Preparing for end of life (426KB)

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Last updated March 2016. We review all our information within 3 years. If you'd like to find out more about how we put our information together, including references and the sources of evidence we use, please contact us at [email protected]