Summary
Losing someone or something that you care about can be devastating. There are a lot of different emotions and stages you will go through when you are grieving the loss of someone. This article will help you understand some of the things you might feel, and let you know where you can find more specialised help if you’re struggling with losing a loved one.
Death or loss involves losing someone or something. This person or thing may have been important in your life.
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?
- After a death or loss, you might feel sad, lonely or angry, or you might feel nothing. It can take time to understand how you feel.
- It is ok to cry.
- You might have questions that you would like to ask to help you understand what has happened. You have the right to talk to someone about how you are feeling.
- Is there an adult you trust who you can talk to?
- Childline is always here to listen to you and support you.
Other supports available include:
Rainbow Ireland
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
Barnardos offer free bereavement support and information.
Jigsaw
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.
Key takeaways
- We can grieve for things we lose, as well as people we lose through death. Maybe the life we had before we moved, or the family life that was broken by separation.
- After a death or loss, you might feel sad, lonely or angry, or you might feel nothing. It can take time to understand how you feel.
- If you have someone you trust you can talk to, it can be a real help.
- There are dedicated services that are experts in helping you navigate grief, like Rainbows Ireland, Barnardos, or Jigsaw.
- You can also always contact us for confidential chats and support.
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