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Grief and Bereavement

What is grief?

Grief is the natural response to losing someone or something important to you. Bereavement is the period of grief after someone dies. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and no set timetable.

Grief can come in waves and can be triggered by anniversaries, songs or places. Many people in construction go straight back to work after a loss and try to keep busy. That can help, but bottling up grief can lead to problems later, such as depression or heavy drinking. Losing a colleague, particularly in a workplace accident, can be especially hard.

What are the signs of grief?

1. Emotional reactions:

  • Shock, numbness and disbelief.
  • Deep sadness and yearning.
  • Anger, guilt or regret.
  • Anxiety about the future.
  • Relief, especially after a long illness, which is normal.

2. Physical reactions:

  • Exhaustion and trouble sleeping.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Aches, pains and lowered immunity.

3. Behaviour:

  • Difficulty concentrating, which can affect safety at work.
  • Withdrawing from others.
  • Drinking more.

4. When grief becomes stuck:

  • If intense grief does not ease after many months, or if you feel life is no longer worth living, seek help.

What are the statistics for grief in the UK?

Bereavement: Around 600,000 people die in the UK each year, and each death can affect many family members, friends and colleagues.

Prolonged grief: Research suggests that around 1 in 10 bereaved people develop prolonged grief, where symptoms remain intense and disabling.

Work: UK law gives employees the right to time off for dependants, and many employers offer compassionate leave. Parents who lose a child under 18 are entitled to statutory parental bereavement leave.

Where to get help with grief UK?

Always call 999 if you are in need of urgent help.

Cruse Bereavement Support: The UK's leading bereavement charity.
Helpline: 0808 808 1677
Website: https://www.cruse.org.uk/

At a Loss: The UK's signposting website for bereavement support services.
Website: https://www.ataloss.org/

Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity:
Helpline: 0345 605 1956 (24/7)

Samaritans:
Helpline: 116 123 (24/7, free to call)

Your GP: Your GP can refer you for bereavement counselling.

Grief is the price we pay for love. Let people help you carry it.

Life events and circumstances

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