Your Individual Needs 

After a bereavement, every family will have specific needs. If you have not experienced the distress of bereavement before, you may not know what support would be helpful for you. If you have, you may have some hopes and expectations about the care you need. Although these expectations vary for each family, they may include hoping that: 

  • Support will be available and accessible; 

  • Support will be matched to each individual family member; 

  • Support will be reliable, consistent and honest; 

  • You will be given sufficient time to absorb what has happened to you; 

  • You will be supported in your need to do things your way; 

  • You will be helped to fulfil your own expectations of recovery from the bereavement. 

As well as reaching out for support from others, you may have other needs while you are grieving, including:  

  • Time alone or with others;  

  • Rest and relaxation; 

  • Exercise, sustenance and distraction; 

  • Routine; 

  • Financial security; 

  • Hope; 

  • Short- and longer-term goals. 

Culture and Religion 

The way you understand and process bereavement may be influenced by your cultural and religious beliefs. If you have a strong religious belief or faith, this may provide a focus for your grief and provide a sense of solace and hope for the future. You may also find comfort and support from other people in your faith community.