Most people experiencing normal grief and bereavement have a period of sorrow, numbness, and even guilt and anger. Gradually these feelings ease, and it's possible to accept loss and move forward. For some people, feelings of loss are so strong they don't improve even after time passes. .
Different people follow different paths through the grieving experience. The order and timing of these phases may vary from person to person:
During the first few months after a loss, most of the normal grief symptoms gradually start to fade. If you've lost a loved one after a considerable amount of time you are still feeling such profound disbelief, hopelessness or intense yearning for your loved one that you can't function in daily life, or if intense grief doesn't improve over time, you may need to seek professional help.
You may benefit from professional help if, over time, you continue to:
If you recognise any of the above signs and symptoms talk to a professional right away, this could be a doctor or a counselling service.
How Lewisham Bereavement Counselling can help you
We provide a confidential, one-to-one counselling, support and advice service to bereaved people over the age of 18 living in the Lewisham Borough. One-to-one counselling, offers you an opportunity to express and share your feelings, thoughts and worries - no matter how complex these may be - with someone who is able to listen, empathise and accept you without judgement.
The counselling commitment
Once we agree that counselling sessions are right for you, it is important for you to give a firm commitment to the process. When you commit to a course of counselling, we ask you to attend sessions at the agreed time every week, for up to 12 weeks. This helps you to make the best use of your counselling and helps us to manage the service.
Counselling sessions
Counselling sessions last for 50 minutes. This is your time to use in whatever way you feel will best meet your needs. Your counsellor is there to listen to you and share and talk about whatever aspects of your loss is causing you to feel distressed, worried or concerned.
For more information or if you think you need bereavement counselling contact the office.