Grief affects everyone in different ways and can bring up many different emotions. People react differently when someone they care for dies. There’s no right or wrong way to feel.
Alongside missing the person you cared for, you might also experience a sense of loss about no longer being a carer. You may feel a mix of emotions: relief at having more time, guilt for feeling that relief, exhaustion, loneliness, or even a desire to make big changes.
Dealing with the practicalities
When someone dies, there are often lots of practical things to do, and this can feel overwhelming. Some of these can be done with the help of family and friends, while others will be arranged or supported by professionals.
Carers UK provides advice on practical matters and bereavement:
Coping with bereavement | Carers UK
The National Bereavement Service (NBS) offers support around the practical and legal tasks following a death and can signpost you to longer-term support: Bereavement Services: Free Support for Bereaved People
Ways to cope
When the person you cared for dies, your relationships with the professionals involved in their care often come to a natural end. You may also have lost touch with friends and family because caring took so much of your time. This can leave you feeling very isolated. Reconnecting might feel overwhelming, so go at your own pace.
Some people may seem awkward or unsure what to say. They often want to help but don’t know how. If you can, let people know what you need; close friends or family may even be able to do this on your behalf.
Talking about what happened, and about the person who died, can help you work through your emotions. Sharing memories with others who knew them can be comforting. Speaking with people who have also been bereaved, or joining support groups for former carers, can also be helpful.
Acknowledge your feelings and allow yourself to experience sadness, guilt, anger, relief, or confusion without judging yourself. These emotions are a normal part of grief.
Different stages of grief
People often move through grief in stages, such as shock, denial, anger, sadness, and acceptance, but not in a fixed order. Everyone’s journey is unique.
If your grief feels overwhelming, consider speaking with a grief
counsellor or mental health professional who can offer support and coping strategies.
Getting Support
There are many ways to access bereavement support.
Local organisations offering FREE support include:
Carers Together – Carers Grief and Loss Service
Provide emotional support tailored to your needs, including one-to-one counselling, regular calls or visits, and group support. Carers Grief and Loss Service - Carers Together
Tel 01642 488977
Email info@carerstogether-rc.org.uk
Cruse - Bereavement Support
Supports children from age 5 and adults, offering one-to-one sessions, monthly drop-ins, and a listening service.
Covers the South Tees area. Home - Cruse Bereavement Support
Tel 01642 210284
Impact (with Teesside Mind) – Grief and Loss Service
A free six-week course for people who want to learn coping strategies and self-care approaches. Impact
Tel 01642 573924
Email enquiries@impactonteesside.com
Teesside Hospice – Bereavement Support
Available to anyone in the Teesside area, for those aged 7+ experiencing a loss more than six months ago. Offers different types of session formats. Bereavement Support | Teesside Hospice
Other organisations offering support include:
Marie Curie – Telephone Bereavement Support
Up to six free phone sessions with the same bereavement support volunteer. For adults aged 18+ grieving after a death from terminal illness. Bereavement support | Grief support | Marie Curie
NHS 111 can help you find the right support Get help with grief after bereavement or loss - NHS