A woman consoling a young girl who is crying and upset after the death of someone close to them.
Death or loss involves losing someone or something. This person or thing may have been important in your life.

Understanding death and loss

You may experience the loss of a family member, a friend, a neighbour, a pet or something that was very important to you. When we are affected by a death or loss, we can experience a range of emotions. Talking about these feelings can help us to understand them. 

Death can happen to anyone at any age, young or old. Someone can be sick for a long time before they die, or they can die suddenly. Other losses can include moving house, moving school, moving country, moving away from friends or the break-up of a family.

How might I feel?

Other supports available include:​

rainbowsireland.ie

Rainbows Ireland is a free service for children and young people experiencing loss following bereavement and parental separation. Click the link above to see if there is a centre in your area.

barnardos.ie

Barnardos offer free bereavement support and information.​

jigsaw.ie

Jigsaw is the National Centre for Youth Mental Health. Jigsaw Services provide young people aged 12-25 with a place they can visit for free and confidential support from trained mental health professionals.​

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