Bereavement, grief, and loss all relate to the absence of something important, typically the death of a loved one, and to our response to it. 

Simple Definitions:

Bereavement: The actual state or period of having lost a loved one to death. 

Grief: The natural, internal emotional and psychological response to loss or bereavement.  It is the about the way we feel as we try to come to terms with the absence of a loved one or of someone very close to us, and it can last a long time.  It is important to note that there is no "right" or "wrong" way to grieve, and reactions can vary widely in order, intensity, and duration. 

Loss: The experience of someone or something important being gone. While this commonly refers to death (bereavement), it can also encompass other significant absences, such as the end of a relationship, loss of a job, or decline in health.  

Living grief and bereavement: The experience of grieving the loss of someone whilst they are still living.  For example, someone with a diagnosis of dementia will, over time, lose the memories of people and places they hold dear.  Those who love them will experience a sense of grief and loss for the person they once knew.  This living grief affects people caring for those with life limiting conditions too as they struggle to come to terms with knowing what the future holds.

We have listed below some links to websites that may provide support to you and hope that you find them useful.  

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Alzheimer Scotland - Carers' bereavement support, information and resources available to support you during this difficult time.

Archie's Child Bereavement Service - Supporting bereaved children in Grampian, Highland, and Tayside, through offering a wide range of services which are carefully tailored to suit the individual needs of the child and their family.

AtaLoss - Helping bereaved people find support and wellbeing.

Child Death Helpline - ​A freephone service for all those affected by the death of a child, open every day of the year.

Cruse Scotland - Offering bereavement counselling, listening services, information, advice and training.

Marie Curie, Anticipatory Grief - Anticipatory grief is when you have feelings of grief while the person is still alive. This page is for family members or friends of someone who has a terminal illness. But people who have a terminal illness can also feel anticipatory grief.

NHS Inform Death and Bereavement - Information that can support you through the early days of a bereavement and what you might expect to experience in the days ahead. 

MND Scotland - If you have lost a loved one to motor neuron disease (MND), you are not alone. We are here to support you through this difficult time and to help you find the support you need.

The Good Grief Trust - Run by the bereaved for the bereaved.

TIDE (Together in Dementia Everyday) - Living grief and bereavement. 

Papyrus - National charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide.

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) - Helping those bereaved by suicide to support each other, at the time of their loss and in the months and years that follow.