What are ‘normal’ reactions to a bereavement?

People can react in many different ways. Everyone is different and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. In the hours, days and weeks after a bereavement it’s quite normal and common to experience some of these different reactions.

Different reactions to bereavement

Loneliness
Feel low, lonely or empty sometimes.

Sadness
Cry a lot and feel overwhelming sorrow.

Shock
Feel dazed and have difficulty taking in what’s happening.

Helplessness
Have difficulty coping and need lots of support.

Anxiety
Feel anxious and experience physical symptoms like dizziness and rapid heartbeat.

Confusion
Feel disorientated or forget things.

Denial
Feel disbelief like ‘it’s not really happening’.

Fear
Feel panicky and worry more.

Stress
Find it harder to cope when things go wrong.

Relief
That your loved one isn’t suffering anymore.

Anger
Want to blame someone or something.

Guilt
About things you did or didn’t do.

Numbness or show lack of emotions
Feel unable to cry or put off strong emotions by keeping busy.