Does grief age you?
Grief is often described as an emotional storm that leaves you feeling mentally drained and physically exhausted. Over time, many wonder if the pain and stress of grief can actually age a person. While grief itself doesn’t directly “age” you in the traditional sense, the prolonged stress and emotional toll of losing a loved one…
How do you release grief from your body?
Grief can be a powerful and overwhelming emotion that often affects not just our hearts and minds but our bodies as well. When we experience loss, the emotional burden can manifest physically, causing tension, fatigue, and even chronic pain. The process of grieving isn’t just about acknowledging emotional pain—it’s also about releasing the physical impact…
What Not to Do While Grieving? Gentle Guidance for Navigating Loss
Each person processes grief in their own way. During this difficult time, it’s easy to fall into habits that may not serve us in the long run. Rather than focusing on “what not to do,” it can be more helpful to gently consider what might ease your journey and support your healing process. Here are…
20 to Life
Revital (Revi) Becker This January I have been bereaved for 20 years. Two decades have passed since my mother, Revital, died of Pancreatic Cancer. Would it surprise any of you if I said I don’t remember much about her? I remember what she looked like and I remember what I should think and feel when…
What Are the Three C’s of Grief?
Grief is a deeply personal and transformative experience that can feel confusing and overwhelming. In the process of grieving, many people find it helpful to understand key concepts that can guide them through the emotional rollercoaster. One such framework is the “Three C’s of Grief.” These three components – Challenge, Change, and Connection – offer…
Some Words About Grief
Read about Anna’s experience since the loss of her Dad. Thank you Anna for sharing this beautiful, honest piece with us. https://thebanditbennett.com/ This Saturday will be two years since my dad died. I feel compelled to write, although I am struggling to. It isn’t easy I guess. Death is inevitable, part of our nature, and…
Running Brings Me Solace
Read about Steve’s incredible achievement – running 20 marathons in 2016 to mark each year he was married to his wife Sharon, who passed away in 2015. We salute you Steve! Click on the image below to read about Steve’s remarkable achievement. .wp-block-post-featured-image{display:none;} 📝 Grief Processing Worksheets 13 Supportive Worksheets | 7 Audio Files Work on processing…
Gifts from the Dead
Thank you Anna for sharing this beautiful poem with us: Cupboards, boxes, drawers. Lofts, cellars, rooms behind closed doors. Hampers, chests, car boots. On shelves, in wardrobes and envelopes, Pockets, bags, sheds and under beds These are some of the places You might stumble across A gift from the dead An old letter, a card,…
Losing a Parent
We provide support to people who lose loved ones to cancer, whether that be partners, parents, siblings, friends, or other relations. Over time more and more people are coming to us for support when they have lost a parent to cancer, and we wanted to share some of the things we have learned from people over…
Being Recently Bereaved
Our support events at The Loss Foundation are there to support people bereaved by cancer, whether it be a recent loss or a loss from many years ago. All are welcome for support at any point in their bereavement. We know how difficult it can be to seek support when you are recently bereaved, and wanted to…
The Unpredictable Journey
You may have heard us say this many times already, but we can’t emphasise it enough – grief is an individual experience. No two people will experience it in the same way, even within the same family. However, there are sometimes themes that come up within grief that people experiencing grief in different ways can…
Guilt in Grief
One theme or discussion that comes up when talking about grief is the concept of time – what it means to people and how we experience it. Some people share with us that time seems to be flying by making them feel like their loved one is further away, whereas others may feel like life is…
Being in the Moment
At our bereavement support groups, we come together to share the experience of losing a loved one to cancer, whether that means expressing something specific that is on your mind or just listening to other people’s experiences and taking comfort in knowing you are not alone in what you are going through. It can sometimes feel…
Expectations
When grieving we can often find ourselves anticipating and focusing on particular dates, e.g. anniversaries (good and bad) or birthdays. These dates can provide a sense of anticipatory anxiety as we may expect that those dates will be awful. We often search for ways of coping and feeling supported in order to get through each…
In Spirit
Thank you to Elizabeth who shared this beautiful poem with us: I have left the earth, But I am still about, I kiss your cheek at night When your light is out. I am the wind That blows in your hair, I am spirit now, I am near. I sit on your shoulder, I see…
I Speak for Us All
I was 30 years old when my wife died. Eight months previously she had been diagnosed with small cell cancer, triggered apparently by becoming pregnant with what would have been our first child. The tumour was growing rapidly on her liver, fuelled by the growth hormones from the pregnancy. In order to save one life,…
How to numb the pain of grief?
Grief can feel overwhelming, and many people wonder how to ease its intensity or even numb the pain. While it’s natural to seek relief, it’s important to approach grief in a healthy and constructive way that supports long-term healing. Understanding the Need to Numb The desire to numb grief often stems from the emotional weight…
The Support of Families and Strangers
Grief is a deeply individual experience, and one person’s experience after one month may or may not be similar to someone who has been bereaved for the same length of time. Grief is not a one-size-fits-all, and there is no set linear timescale that applies when living beyond a loved one’s passing, no matter what…
Lyrics for Loss
Following one of our groups, one of our beneficiaries kindly shared their thoughts which we thought may be helpful for all: “As is normal with me on my home from a group session, I often think about what we talked about and what was said; especially being somewhat of a reflector. At this group I…
The Long Goodbye: A Memoir by Megan O’Rourke
Thank you so much to Helena, a friend of The Loss Foundation, who has written this review on ‘The Long Goodbye’ by Megan O’Rourke. “No matter whether you’re grieving a loss that occurred weeks, months or years ago, Megan O’Rourke’s personal account of her mother’s death provides eye-opening food for thought on coping with bereavement. In The…
A Poem from a Group Member
Sorrow, Sadness, Anguish, Physical and Emotional Pain, Emptiness and Aloneness, I have experienced all of them since you went away. They say Love is not without Pain, that there is a dying to ourselves, when the other is away. It is better to have Loved, than not at all. I have so much gratitude, that…
Paramjit’s story
My wife was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007, eventually losing her battle in May 2017. I share my story to help others who might have had similar experience with their own loss, and also to help raise awareness of this horrible disease. She was a very loving/caring wife, mother and grandmother and was very active,…
My Mind is All Over the Place
We often have diverse attendees at our support events; younger and older members, people who have lost partners and parents, people who had been newly bereaved, and people who had been bereaved for a while longer (although still recently in the scheme of things!) Diversity can often be a theme of discussion at our events,…
Conducting Ethical Research with Vulnerable Populations
At The Loss Foundation we are committed to learning more about peoples’ experiences of bereavement to better inform the support services that we provide. We are dedicated to providing a service that is informed by your experiences and needs. In order to achieve this goal we carry out a number of research projects ourselves and partake…
Modern Loss: Candid Conversation about Grief by Rebecca Soffer and Gabrielle Birkner
Thank you so much to Helena, a friend of The Loss Foundation, for her review of Modern Loss: Candid Conversation about Grief by Rebecca Soffer and Gabrielle Birkner. “Honest, insightful, empathetic, uplifting. These are only a few of the words that describe Modern Loss, an extensive collection of personal essays about death and loss, and the…
Taking Our Own Advice in Grief
Many of the people we support at The Loss Foundation express frustration at a lack of receiving useful information when they become bereaved; nobody tells you that you may lose your concentration, your confidence, your appetite, that you may become more irritable, that you may be disappointed by those you relied on… And so much…
How Long Does Grief Exhaustion Last?
Grief exhaustion, the deep physical and emotional fatigue that often accompanies loss, varies greatly from person to person. While there’s no universal timeline, understanding the factors influencing this type of fatigue can provide clarity and reassurance. Why Does Grief Cause Exhaustion? Grief places immense stress on the mind and body. It can disrupt sleep, appetite,…
Jamie’s story
My name is Jamie. I’m 35-years old and live in London. My twin brother, Charlie, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2018 and died two months after diagnosis. To say my family and I were devastated is an understatement – I felt like part of me died. My brother Charlie was… it pains me to…
Today it is Me that Writes…
Everywhere I turn, it touches me, someone I love, someone I have just met, someone I have supported, and undoubtedly every second person I walk past in the street. Cancer. Today my good friend’s aunt is taken from our world and into the next. She steps into a world we could never know of in…
Bringing People Together After Loss
After my father died of cancer in 2008, my family and I struggled to find the support we needed. The help there was, if any was available at all, seemed to be time-limited and dictated by where we lived. It was also disappointing that we didn’t have the opportunity to meet others who were going…
The Art of Not Falling Apart
As an ambitious columnist at The Independent, Christina Patterson’s passion for her job sustained her through her turbulent pursuit of love and family – until her editor unexpectedly made her redundant, that is. While it would have been all too easy for Patterson to wallow in self-pity, she instead turns her rejection into a positive…
Coping Strategies After a Bereavement
Some coping strategies after a bereavement could make grieving worse, University of Oxford study finds By Dr Kirsten Smith, University of Oxford and unpaid trustee of The Loss Foundation Grieving is normal and to be expected after a loved one dies. But what makes it particularly severe for some individuals, and could learning more about…
Now it’s our Turn to Ask for Help – 20 for 20 Appeal
The right support at the right time can make all the difference. At The Loss Foundation, we know that more than most… When I set up the Loss Foundation back in 2010, it was on the back of experiencing a complete lack of support when my own father died of cancer. Having wobbled myself, I…
How the World is Crying Out for Support, and Who is Answering
We are delighted to share a blog post from one of our very own volunteers, Sam Davies, about his experience of running our online bereavement support groups. From Cancer to Coronavirus: How the world is crying out for support, and who is answering Every day now for what seems to have been a lifetime length…
My Grief Wave
It can creep up on me, Sweeping over, engulfing that moment. I try to rush to the surface of the bewilderment, Take a breath, Questioning how that happened so silently. Sigh, I remember now, Life has changed as I once knew it. I think of what Dad would want for me, what he would say,…
Join our Team
Bereavement charity run by Clinical Psychologists Looking for new Bereavement Support Volunteers (National) The Loss Foundation is a registered charity specialising in providing bereavement support for people whose loved ones die of cancer. The charity is run by volunteer clinical psychologists and doctors (qualified and in training), as well as those from other professions. In…
Anxiety Worksheets – Created by Clinical Psychologist Dr Erin Hope Thompson
“Navigating anxiety can often feel like an overwhelming journey. These tailored worksheets are designed to shine a light on different facets of your personal anxiety experience, offering tools and strategies crafted to nurture your mental well-being” – Dr. Erin Hope Thompson MBE – Founder and Director of The Loss Foundation Crafted by Dr. Erin Hope…
Anxiety Meditation Audio – Created by Clinical Psychologist Dr Erin Hope Thompson
“Navigating life’s complexities can feel overwhelming at times. These anxiety meditation audio resources aim to equip you with tools to nurture your well-being, irrespective of the challenges you face. Coupled with our empowering worksheets, they stand as a toolkit for self-reflection and resilience” – Dr. Erin Hope Thompson MBE – Founder and Director of The…
Overview of Bereavement Leave: Explaining its Importance and Purpose
At The Loss Foundation, we know all too well the profound impact of grief. Every day, we hear first hand from those grappling with the loss of a loved one. It’s a deeply personal experience, and the emotional toll can be immense. That’s why bereavement leave offered by many companies is such a crucial support…
Rebecca’s Story
For Tom Ellis, who always thought my writing was funny. Are we ravinnnn. Before the age of 21 my only knowledge of ‘losing a parent’ was being stood in Asda in sheer panic looking for Mum or Dad down each aisle. Unfortunately I now know the true and the worst extent of losing a parent.…
Caring for the Carers
Across our Loss Foundation support events we feel privileged to hear your stories and experiences. It takes strength to reach out for support and speak about a loss, and we never underestimate how difficult it can be to do just that. At the same time, we are constantly witnessing the benefits of talking and being…
Feeling Anger
It can be hard to see others enjoying the relationships you have lost and this can lead to associated feelings of anger and resentment. People sometimes express feeling guilty and often not knowing how to deal with these feelings of anger when they arise. Anger is a natural, appropriate, and most importantly understandable emotion in grief. …
How to Request Bereavement Leave: A Step-by-Step Guide
The loss of a loved one is a deeply unique and challenging experience. While navigating grief, you may also need to manage practicalities, including taking time off work. Bereavement leave, offered by many companies, allows space to grieve and address necessary arrangements. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to request bereavement leave: Step 1: Notify…
Navigating Conversations with Grieving Colleagues
Have you ever bumped into a colleague returning from bereavement leave and drawn a blank on what to say? You’re not alone. Many of us struggle with navigating conversations about loss. To be blunt, there’s no magic formula to erase someone’s pain. But there are ways to turn an awkward encounter into a moment of…
Acceptance
At our bereavement support support group sessions we sometimes find ourselves discussing the word ‘acceptance’. “What do I need to do to accept my loss?” “How do I get ‘there’? Theories of grief often talk about ‘stages’ in the bereavement process. Many think of Kubler Ross’s theory of grief and wonder how and what it…
Feeling Isolated
Feeling isolated is a common experience after a loved one has died, particularly after an initial burst of extra support around the time our loved one dies, e.g. the coming together for the funeral or the busy organisation that is required in the immediate aftermath of death. When these things have passed life can feel…
The Power of Words: Why Reading Can Help with Grief
Grief is a deeply complex and personal experience. It can feel overwhelming, isolating, and often, confusing. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for coping with loss, many people find solace and support in the written word. Here’s why reading can be a powerful tool for healing: 1. Validation and Understanding: 2. Emotional Release: 🌱 Grow with…
Getting Over the Next Hurdle
There are many events during the year that people struggle to navigate following a bereavement; as well as other milestones like birthdays, or anniversaries. We are surrounded by reminders of occasions like these at our every turn with messages bombarding us about celebrations and coming together with the people we love. If you don’t feel…
2022 – Everything We’ve Achieved
“Bereavement is like a madness – like you’re on this ocean and you don’t know wide it is, how deep it is, you don’t know what direction you’re heading in” – Peter Christmas can be such a difficult time for those who are missing someone special. Don’t feel like you have to do this alone.…
How Often Should I Meditate to See Benefits in My Grieving Process?
Grief is a deeply personal experience, and one that can often feel unpredictable and overwhelming. The path of grief doesn’t follow a linear trajectory, and emotions can ebb and flow in unexpected ways. Some days, you might feel a sense of acceptance, and other days, the weight of loss may feel unbearable. This non-linear nature…
Triggers in Grief
Unexpected triggers can pop up day-to-day catching you off guard with your grief and bringing on a surge of emotions, whether it be walking down a supermarket aisle or seeing the first strawberries of the season. These small reminders throughout the day can bring up many different memories, emotions, thoughts and more. This reminds us…
Anniversaries and Events when Grieving
A common theme that arises in discussions at our Loss Foundation bereavement support get togethers is that of anniversaries and special events. This is especially poignant around Christmas and New year, but also moves on to other ‘events’. A main one is the first anniversary of a loved one’s passing; which can seem like a…
Coping
What does it feel like to be coping with loss, or indeed, what does it feels like to be not coping with it? We all have expectations of ourselves in terms of how we deal with certain things, but remember that grief can pull the rug from under you in a way that prevents you…
Loving Again – Grief and New Relationships
When a beloved partner of ours dies, the topic of having new romantic relationships may arise at some point, either in comments from others, or thoughts of our own. What do we think about embarking on a new romantic relationship? Is it something that we think is possible? Is it something that we suddenly feel…
Turn Your Old Clothes into Compassion: Partnering with ‘We Recycle Clothes’ to Support The Loss Foundation
At The Loss Foundation, we’re constantly seeking innovative ways to support those affected by cancer bereavement and offer help when it’s needed most. We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with ‘We Recycle Clothes,’ a sustainable initiative that allows you to turn your old clothes, handbags, shoes, and accessories into funds for our vital work. …
The Science of Grief Meditation: How Mindfulness Supports Healing
Grief is a natural response to loss, but its impact can be profound and long-lasting. While traditional therapeutic approaches offer valuable support, the practice of grief meditation has gained recognition for its unique ability to help individuals process their emotions. But what is grief meditation, and how does it work on a scientific level? In…
Finding the Right Words: Christmas Messages for Those Who Are Grieving ✍️
The festive season can be a challenging time for those who have recently lost a loved one. While Christmas is often filled with joy and celebration, it can also be a painful reminder of those who are no longer with us. For those who are grieving, the festive season might feel overwhelming and isolating. If…
How Do I Adapt to Loss?
At our Loss Foundation bereavement support events we often find ourselves talking about what it is like adapting to a life without our loved ones; the emotions it evokes, the smallest of reminders that take us by surprise, the unpredictable nature of grief, and how we find ourselves oscillating between coping and not coping. For…
We All Need Outlets
Our Loss Foundation bereavement support groups and events provide a great opportunity for people to share where they are at with grief. It is not uncommon for people to feel like they are doing reasonably ok at coping one day, but feel completely bereft and hopeless the next. And that can be a scary feeling.…