Has someone close to you died?

Losing someone we know is hard. As well as being sad, it can be a very confusing time. You may not be reacting in a way that others expect or you may feel you’re not doing it ‘right’.

Some people feel angry when they lose someone – sometimes towards the person they have lost, which can seem strange. Or people may be expecting you to cry, but instead, you may be feeling something else. Lots of people feel numb and empty. Others take a bit longer for things to sink in. It’s all normal.

How do I cope?

• Talking about how you feel and the person you’ve lost can feel scary, but it does help. Try talking to a member of your family, a good friend or a trusted adult. You may worry about crying or about making the person cry, but this is okay. Crying can be therapeutic and is a way of releasing pain.
• If they were someone who you were close to, try making a memory box with photos and objects that remind you of the person who’s died. You may want to write down some special times you both shared, or something they did that made you laugh. Winston’s Wish have a memory Jar activity, which is a very personal way for you to remember the person.
• It can be easy to shut yourself away from the world at such a difficult time, but it’s important to keep in touch with those close to you, to keep active and do the things you enjoy.

Who can I talk to?

Give the links below a try. It’s also good to talk to someone you trust. Even if they’re grieving too, it can be helpful to share feelings.