DEALING WITH BEREAVEMENT

Q AI recently lost my partner and I am really struggling to come to terms with it. As well as the practical issues, the death of someone close brings a whole range of feelings and emotions. We’re all different, and we react to death in different ways. There’s no right or wrong way to grieve. You may feel numb, or find it difficult to believe what has happened. You may feel relief that the person is no longer suffering or you might find yourself feeling sad, angry or guilty. You may also feel panicky about what needs to be done, or about what lies ahead. It is important to look after yourself. You should try to eat well, and avoid drinking too much alcohol. It is also important to know that it’s normal to feel afraid, have nightmares or struggle to see the point of life. However, if you are worried about your feelings, you can speak to your doctor. Finally, it’s important not to expect too much of yourself, and to know when to ask for help. The death of someone close is a major event in anybody’s life and there are no quick ways of adjusting. It can be helpful to find someone you trust that you can to talk to, for example a friend, your doctor, or a religious leader. If after a while you feel you’re still not coping, you may want to speak with your doctor. Breathing Space is a free, confidential helpline providing support for people experiencing low mood, anxiety and depression. Call 0800 83 85 87 to speak with an adviser. Search ‘grief’ on NHSinform.scot for more information.