• Shock/Denial
  An essential defence system to protect the mind from overload - 'it can't be', 'not Me'
  
• Anger/Rebellion
  At the dead person for leaving them
  At others 'blamed' for the death in the hospital
  At God - 'there is no God', 'life is worthless'
  
• Bargaining
  Usually with God
  'I will do anything to have my loved one back'
  
• Depression
  Reality begins to set in and despair can be the result. In many respects this can be the hardest
  stage as you really start to miss your loved ones.
  
• Acceptance/Readjustment
  It may take a long time to reach this stage. Support at every stage is vital to achieve acceptance,
  especially during times of depression.

We offer individual counselling for bereavement and loss. There is no time limit and everyone deals with
grief differently. There is no right or wrong way to cope with grief.

Bereavement Group Support Meetings
Some people like to meet with others who have had similar experiences so group support might be
something you would consider.

• Many churches run GriefShare group support meetings from a Christian perspective.
  Talk to someone in your church or, alternatively, if you contact us we may know of current
  support group meetings and be able to give you details.
  
• For those bereaved by suicide, PIPS (Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide & Self-harm)
  Upper Bann will be able to give you information about their support group. You can contact them
  on 028 3831 0151.