Bereavement and loss

Coping with bereavement, or a major loss can be particularly difficult when you are at university. Being away from home, at a time when you most need the support of family and friends, may leave you feeling isolated. You may feel that you do not know your new friends at university sufficiently well to share your feelings or think the people around you have not had similar experiences and will not be able to understand.

It may be difficult to make sense of what is happening. Sometimes loss can undermine our sense of who we are. The death of someone close may be the most severe form of loss, but other losses can also affect us deeply. Divorce or separation, exam failure, leaving home or university, injury or ill health, the breakdown of a friendship or of a relationship may have deep significance.

You might feel like you can't handle things.

You may continue to be intensely distressed after the event, or continue to have problems with sleeping, with work or relationships, with alcohol and drugs. You might feel confused, scared, numb, or that you've lost control, worried that you may never feel okay again.

Try not to put too much pressure on yourself to feel better straight away. These feelings will change over time. It's important to try to accept how you feel. Talk to someone who'll listen to how you feel - it can really help. However you're feeling is okay, cry if you feel like it. Look after yourself - remember to eat well and get plenty of rest.

How you can help yourself

The grieving process: coping with death

This video by Watchwellcast explores the grieving process, how do you deal with the death of a loved one and offers some advice to help you heal.

If you are concerned that you cannot keep yourself safe then please do ask for help.

Further information

Useful websites

Useful reading

  • We get it
    A unique collection of 33 narratives by bereaved students and young adults in America, this book aims to help young adults who are grieving and provide guidance for those who seek to support them. It has been described as having a group in a book.
  • Michael Rosen's sad book
    A very personal story that speaks to adults as well as children. The author describes feeling sad after the death of his son and what he does to try to cope with it.

Downloads

What we can do to help

Student Services offers a range of support that includes Wellbeing Advisors, Counsellors, and the Mental Health Advisory Service. To access any of these services contact the Student Advice and Guidance team. This is the entry point to speak to the Wellbeing Advisors, Counsellors, and the Mental Health Advisory Service and all our services are confidential.You can email the team on advice@liverpool.ac.uk, or call 0151 795 1000 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.