Bereavement and your mental health

Grief, loss and bereavement can affect people in many different ways.

These can often seem like a complete mixture of thoughts, from anger and despair to sadness and numbness.

Symptoms can be different for everyone, but may include:

• Shock, numbness or being in a daze
• Depression
• Despair
• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Anger
• Guilt
• Relief
• Shame
• Suicidal thoughts

You can find a longer list of symptoms on the NHS website.

Your first port of call may be self-help as it’s the most accessible option. Simply paying attention to your own emotional needs can sometimes ease the effects. Self-help may include:

• Relaxation and breathing exercises
• Speaking to someone you can trust
• Getting enough sleep
• Exercising regularly
• Limiting your intake of caffeine and sugar
• Accepting help from others

Talking therapies, like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), might help you deal with your loss. CBT tries to change the way you react to situations by adjusting the way you think and behave with ‘coping skills’.

Sometimes it may be necessary to use medication to lessen your anxiety. You can see a list of medicines we might offer you on our Choice and Medication portal.

If you’re in a mental health crisis and need urgent help, call the Single Point of Access on (01472) 256256 and select option 3. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Alternatively, you can call NHS 111 free from a landline or mobile phone.

If you’d rather text than talk on the phone, you can text ORANGE to 85258 to contact a trained volunteer from Shout. They’ll be able to help you reach a place of calm and, if necessary, signpost you to local services. This is a free, 24/7 service.​​​​

The North East Lincolnshire Bereavement Support Service is delivered by St Andrew’s Hospice in partnership with CRUSE and the Care Plus Group, offering specialist care to anyone who has suffered a bereavement.

North East Lincolnshire Mind will give you emotional and practical support if you are dealing with bereavement. You can call 01482 240133 (between 8am and 8pm, 7 days a week) or email info@heymind.org.uk. 

Safespace provides instant support if you’re vulnerable and need assistance with your mental health out-of-hours. You can speak to the team using Zoom or by calling in via telephone, between 6pm and 10pm, Monday to Friday.

The North East Lincolnshire Bereavement Support Service: Delivered by St Andrew’s Hospice in partnership with CRUSE and the Care Plus Group, the service offers specialist care to anyone who has suffered a bereavement.

Help is at Hand: A guide supported by Public Health England and the National Suicide Prevention Alliance aimed at supporting you through bereavement due to suicide.

Suicide - Coping with Loss: Rethink have pulled together a wealth of information on how to cope with the loss of someone you care about to suicide.

Find the Words: The Support After Suicide Partnership and University College London have put together these materials on how to support someone who has been bereaved and affected by suicide.

NHS mood self-assessment: This short questionnaire will help you understand how you’re feeling and signpost you to the most appropriate support.

Orcha Apps Library: This library lists thousands of NHS-approved health apps by condition, making it quick and easy for you to find support.

Grimsby & Cleethorpes Sands: Bereaved parents in Grimsby, Cleethorpes and the surrounding areas who have been affected by the death of a baby are invited to the group.

Sudden: Sudden have a helpline which runs Monday to Friday, as well as a large amount of resources and support on how to cope with a bereavement.

Child Bereavement UK: An organisation who can support when a baby or child of any age is dying.

Dying Matters: Dying Matters offers information on end of life and bereavement, including writing a will, funeral plans and end of life care.

Miscarriage Association: Find information if you are affected by miscarriage, molar or ectopics pregnancy.