Young people supported by Child Bereavement UK tell us the following things help to manage their grief. 

Remember everyone is different

How you grieve and when you grieve is different for everyone. Sometimes you may grieve in the same way and at the same time as family and friends and sometimes in a completely different way. Sometimes you may feel numb and feel nothing at all and at other times you might feel overwhelmed by your emotions. 

It’s OK not to feel OK

It’s OK not to feel OK and it’s important to be kind to yourself. It may feel difficult to make time for yourself when you’re grieving, but it can help to find ways to look after yourself and to let others know if you need someone to talk to or to just listen. 

Friends can help

Friends can be a great support when you’re grieving. Sometimes it’s nice to hang out with friends and not talk about your bereavement. At other times, friends can help by being there for you when you feel upset.

It’s OK to laugh and have fun

Although you may be feeling sad, it’s important to allow yourself to do things you enjoy - it doesn’t mean you’re not missing your special person. Whether it’s spending time with friends, listening to music or walking in nature, it’s good to spend time doing something you enjoy.

Chloe, aged 11, decided to make her own ‘Happy Bag’ full of things that support her when she has difficult days, following the death of her baby brother Ethan. Read more here about what each item in her bag means to her.

Do something creative

Keeping a journal where you can record your memories or making a piece of art that reminds you of the person who has died can be a really good way of expressing any worries you have and releasing some of your emotions.

Keep to a routine

When you’re grieving, life can sometimes feel out of control. Keeping to routines like a regular bedtime, eating well and having a plan for the day can help to make you feel more in control.

Find ways to remember

When someone important in your life dies, you may worry that you will forget important or happy memories of them. Finding ways to remember them can help you such as visiting somewhere they liked, making a memory box, or looking at photographs or videos of them when you feel ready. 

Connect with people in the same situation

Sometimes it can be hard to talk to your friends and family about how you’re feeling. Child Bereavement UK holds monthly groups for young people on Zoom where you can share your feelings with other bereaved young people. To find out more call Child Bereavement UK’s Helpline on: 0800 02 888 40 or email [email protected].

Get support

If you’re finding things difficult and would like to talk to someone, contact Child Bereavement UK’s Helpline for support, information and guidance on 0800 02 888 40, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Flick through our A to Z of bereavement support tips for more ideas on things that can help you when you’re grieving.

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