Your mental health

Grieving is a natural part of recovering from a bereavement. Everyone's experience of grief is different. There are no rules about what we should feel, and for how long.

Many people find they feel a mixture of the following:

• sadness
• shock, particularly if the death was unexpected
• relief, if the death followed a long period of illness
• guilt and regret
• anger
• anxiety
• despair and helplessness
• depression

These feelings may be very intense, particularly in the early days and weeks. Time can help these intense emotions subside. There's no need to feel guilty about starting to feel better. It doesn't mean you're not respecting the person's memory or forgetting about them.

Here you can find information and support if you or a loved one are experiencing bereavement. You can find information on what to do in the event of someone's death at Deaths and inquests.

Bereavement support services offer different levels of care should you need that extra bit of support during your bereavement journey.

You can search our directory to find several bereavement support services in Buckinghamshire.

The NHS has a lot of information and advice if you or someone you know is experiencing grief.

Coping with grief or loss includes symptoms of bereavement, grief and loss, the stages you may go through and ways to help you cope.

Bereavement and Young People supports young people with what to expect when dealing with grief, the support that is available and how to look after themselves.

If you need more support you can refer yourself directly to a psychological therapy service.

If you're struggling to cope with stress, anxiety or a low mood, visit your GP. If you don't have a GP, find a GP near you.