Bereavement is a common devastating experience and one of the most painful and stressful life events. Bereavement is the process of recovering from the death of a loved one. Grief is a reaction to any form of loss. Feelings of loss are common following divorce/separation, miscarriage or fertility difficulties, abortion, redundancy or trauma. Both bereavement and grief comprise a range of feelings from deep sadness to anger. Occasionally there are no emotions, there is only numbness. Some people find it difficult to cope with their loss and believe they will never be happy again. Loneliness and isolation are also common feelings after loss.

Although grief is a normal reaction to loss, everyone grieves in their own way and in their own time.