Support for people trying to overcome a sudden bereavement

The impact of the death of a loved one is explored in a new publication from Galway Regional Hospital which aims to give comfort and support to people trying to overcome a sudden bereavement, and to relatives and friends.

The booklet has been compiled and written by medical and nursing staff at University College Hospital Galway with input from the Children's Remembrance Days Committee.

Entitled A Booklet for the Bereaved, it tries to help people come to an understanding of "the grieving process", offering practical suggestions on how to cope with bereavement.

It includes information on how children might grieve and the support they require, and financial and legal issues are also addressed. A list of telephone numbers and names of organisations and support groups is included.

Bereavement or grief is described in the booklet as a reaction to the loss "of a loved one, a very difficult and painful experience, being a complex mixture of sadness, helplessness, guilt, anger or even despair". Grief is a "unique experience for each individual as the experience is influenced by a variety of factors such as the suddenness of the death, the relationship you had with the person who has died, your culture and your religious background".

The first response to the news of the death of a loved one is frequently one "of shock, numbness and disbelief, a sense of unreality". The booklet explains "that these responses help you deal with the death and protect you until you are better able to cope with what you cannot believe now".

Following the funeral, the emotional experience is usually one of separation "pain (the absence of a loved one. There may be an empty feeling, a yearning) for their return or a restless wandering to familiar places". Sleep is often "disturbed and agitation and tiredness may be experienced". As the days and weeks go by, you may feel a mixture of emotions such as "confusion, fear, disorganisation, regret or guilt".

"Grieving is natural and has been described as resembling a physical wound that gradually heals."

• A Booklet for the Bereaved offers a series of self-help measures and is available from the Western Health Board at (091) 524222 or 751131.