The National Health Service has issued a heartfelt plea for kindness and compassion as the UK marks Grief Awareness Week, acknowledging that the festive season can be an intensely difficult period for many.
What is Grief Awareness Week?
Grief Awareness Week runs annually from December 2 to December 8. The campaign, spearheaded by Hospice UK, is dedicated to breaking down the stigma surrounding grief and bereavement. Its core aim is to foster open and honest conversations about loss, encouraging people to share their experiences without fear of judgment.
In a post on the social media platform X, the NHS highlighted the significance of the week, stating: "#GriefAwarenessWeek is a chance to recognise how any type of loss can affect our wellbeing. There’s no right or wrong way to feel — grief affects everyone differently. If you're finding things difficult, there’s support that can help." The message was accompanied by an infographic of a candle bearing the words: "This time of year can be difficult if you are experiencing grief. Be kind to yourself."
Understanding the Symptoms of Grief and Loss
The NHS maintains a comprehensive online resource for those dealing with grief after bereavement or any form of significant loss. The health body emphasises that grief is a natural response to losing someone or something important, and that a wide spectrum of feelings is normal.
Common symptoms can include:
- Shock and numbness: Often the initial reaction, described as feeling "in a daze."
- Overwhelming sadness accompanied by frequent crying.
- Profound tiredness or exhaustion.
- Anger, which may be directed at the person lost, the situation, or others.
- Feelings of guilt about actions taken or not taken, or even about surviving.
The NHS notes that these powerful emotions may come and go unexpectedly and that it is not always easy to identify grief as the root cause of changes in behaviour or mood. It also clarifies that grief is not limited to death, but can follow the end of a relationship, job loss, or leaving a home.
Practical Steps and Where to Find Support
For those struggling to cope, the NHS offers clear, practical advice on managing these complex feelings. A key recommendation is to talk about your emotions with a trusted friend, family member, healthcare professional, or counsellor.
The service specifically signposts to the bereavement charity Cruse, which can be contacted on 0808 808 1677. Other suggested strategies include accessing sleep tips from the Every Mind Matters platform, exploring peer support networks through Mind, and listening to free mental wellbeing audio guides.
The overarching message from the health service is one of validation and hope: support is available, and taking the step to reach out is a sign of strength. By promoting Grief Awareness Week, the NHS aims to ensure that nobody feels they have to face their loss alone, especially during the heightened emotions of the winter months.
