Early bereavement support
Grief affects people in different ways and there is no right or wrong way to feel. Shock, numbness, sadness, tiredness, anger and guilt are all common, and can come without warning. Talking to someone can help. If low mood lasts more than two weeks, or you are struggling to cope, see a GP. (NHS)
Signposting, not medical adviceSources checked 28 September 2026
What grief can feel like
Shock and numbness are usually the first reaction, and people often talk about being in a daze. Overwhelming sadness, tiredness, anger and guilt are common too. The feelings may not be there all the time, and powerful feelings can appear unexpectedly. (NHS)
People often talk about grief coming in stages, but you may not go through all of them, or in any order. Grief can feel chaotic and out of control, but for most people the feelings eventually become less intense over time. (NHS)
Things that can help
- Talk about your feelings to a friend, family member, healthcare professional or counsellor. (NHS)
- Consider peer support, where people use their own experience to help each other. (NHS)
- Don't try to do everything at once: set small targets you can manage. (NHS)
- Try to eat regular meals, and keep moving: exercise can help your mood and sleep. (NHS)
- Try not to use alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or drugs to ease grief. (NHS)
When to see a GP
When grief does not ease
For some people, grief lasts many months or years without getting easier. This is called prolonged grief disorder. It is more likely after a traumatic, sudden or unexpected death. See a GP if this sounds like you. (NHS)
If you're 18 or over (16 in some areas), you can refer yourself to an NHS talking therapies service without seeing a GP. (NHS)
Related pages
If you need help now
If someone's life is in danger, call 999. If you need medical help urgently and are not sure what to do, call 111 (NHS 111 in England and Wales, NHS 24 in Scotland). In Northern Ireland, nidirect explains where to get urgent help.
If someone has just died
- If the death was expected, at home
- Contact their GP. If community nurses have been visiting, call them too: they can verify the death. Outside surgery hours, contact the on-call doctor.
- If the death was unexpected
- Call 999 straight away and explain what has happened. The police will also be told, because the coroner needs to know.
Sources: NHS: when to call 999 · NHS: when to use 111 · Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust · nidirect: when someone dies at home
Sources
- NHS: Grief after bereavement or loss (Last reviewed 14 July 2026; read 28 September 2026)