Most people experience grief when they lose something or someone important to them.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Shock and numbness – this is usually the first reaction to loss, and people often talk about “being in a daze”
- Overwhelming sadness, with lots of crying
- Tiredness or exhaustion
- Anger – towards the person you’ve lost or the reason for your loss
- Guilt – for example, guilt about feeling angry about something you said or did not say, or not being able to stop your loved one dying
These feelings may not be there all the time and powerful feelings may appear unexpectedly.
You are not alone
You do not have to deal with grief alone.
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service is there for anyone who has been bereaved or affected by a death, no matter the cause or how long it’s been.
If you’re grieving and need support, friendly bereavement practitioners will listen and help find the right support for you.
- Call on 0161 983 0902. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except bank holidays)
- Email: gmicb-sal.gm.bs@nhs.net
This service also gives you the option to speak to a dedicated suicide bereavement practitioner who has a greater understanding if you have been bereaved by suicide
You can also find information about local bereavement services near you on the find local support page.
Support for people bereaved by suicide
Losing someone to suicide can be extremely painful and emotionally complex but you do not have to deal with your grief alone
The Shining a Light on Suicide website provides tailored information for people who have been bereaved by suicide.
It has lots of resources to help you understand the responses you may have to this experience. There is also information about how to support other people who have been bereaved by suicide.
