Bereavement

Coping with Grief and Loss

Coping with your grief

You don't need to go through a bereavement alone. Talking and sharing your feelings with someone can help. Don't be afraid to talk about the person who has died. For some people, relying on family and friends is the best way to cope. 

Some things that can help include: 

  • seek out accurate information about grief and loss
  • be patient and gentle with yourself as you grieve
  • recognise the extent of your loss
  • allow yourself to cope and to grieve in a way that suits you
  • try to sleep well, eat well, and take gentle exercise
  • try not to make major or significant decisions while you grieve
  • accept emotional and practical support from friends and family 

If your feelings of grief become more intense over time then you might need to seek more help. You might need more help if: 

  • you neglect yourself or your family– for example, you don't eat well
  • you feel you can't go on without the person you've lost
  • the emotion is so intense it's affecting the rest of your life– for example, you can't face going to work

Find support

  • Talk with your GP about how you are feeling. He or she should be able to give you information about support services in your local area.
  • You can contact the Inspire 24/7 Helpline at any time on 1800 817 433. The service is free and confidential. You do not need to be “in crisis” to use this service, you can speak to someone about any concern – big or small. And about anything - personal or professional.
  • Employee Assistance Service (EAS) on 01 6660390 or employeeassistance@garda.ie
  • The Irish Hospice Foundation operates the website BEREAVED.ie that provides advice and information for bereaved people and those supporting them.
  • Contact Pieta House, if you are bereaved by suicide. Pieta House
  • "Finding your way" published by PARC Road Safety Group , is a guide for victims following the death or serious injury of a loved one in a road traffic collision.
  • Anam Cara provides information, resources and bereavement support after the death of a child of any age and through all circumstances to all bereaved parents. Anam Cara
  • It may take some time for a child to talk about death, but getting support and being listened to helps the healing. Barnardos Children’s Bereavement Service is supported by the Family Support Agency, Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime. Barnardos
  • Féileacáin is a not for profit organisation that provides support to anyone affected by the death of a baby during or after pregnancy. Feileacain