The death of a loved one is an experience we all have to face at some time in our lives. It is a devastating period, which robs us of someone we love dearly and shatters our sense of security.

In modern society the subject of death is taboo; people do not talk about it, even deny it perhaps, because our worst fear is the death of a loved one or partner.

Yet death is natural part of life's cycle and we are coming to recognise the need to understand and accept grief and bereavement.

The bereaved are faced with a painful and daunting task in coping with all that death brings and with the challenge of finding a new sense purpose in their lives. Facing up to the stress and working through some of those feelings is an important task. Everybody needs help with this and it is no shame or sign of weakness to admit this truth. Grieving is a natural and important part of coming to terms with and healing your loss. All of this takes time, nearly always longer than you expect.

In times gone by there was formality in mourning and the acceptance of ritual expressions of grief was part of the lifestyle of our grandparents.

Today, with the passing of that formality, we may overlook the need to mourn, but it is essential to our well-being and recovery.

In times of bereavement, you can turn to family and friends but in some circumstances a little extra help may be required.

You can find great comfort and relief in being able to express your feelings and talk through your sorrow with people who have gone through the experience and want to listen and share with you ways of coping.

Local clergy and other religious leaders are very happy to visit you and talk about any issue relating to your loss, or you may prefer to seek advice from one of the voluntary groups specialising in bereavement counselling.

This site aims to provide our readers practical and sympathetic advice together with useful information on where to find support, help with planning a funeral, and formalities such as making a will and registering a death.

12 August 2002