We are all different and view death in different ways. Losing someone close to you changes life for those left behind. It can be difficult to understand what has happened, whether the death comes after a long illness, happens suddenly or is a natural consequence of old age. Life changes, but everyday life continues.
Grief is natural
Grief is a natural emotional response to losing someone close to you. Grieving involves much more than simply feeling sad. Some grief may remain with you throughout life, but it changes over time and usually becomes less painful. The grieving process is different for everyone.
Children and bereavement
Losing someone you care about is painful for both children and adults. However, children may understand death differently from adults and may react in different ways. You may want to protect children by avoiding difficult conversations, but all children, including very young children, need help to understand what is happening around them.
- When someone in the family dies (1177.se, in Swedish) External link.
- Grief and crisis in children (bris.se, in Swedish) External link.
- How family and others close to a child can help a grieving child (randigahuset.se, in Swedish) External link.
- Talking to children about cancer (cancerfonden.se, in Swedish) External link.
You are not alone
While the support of your friends and family is invaluable, the best long-term support often comes from others who have experienced something similar and understand what it means. There are associations, religious communities and networks for survivors to which you can turn for help at times of crisis. Some can be reached around the clock, either by telephone or on social media.
Contact details to networks and organisations that support survivors (in Swedish)
Support is available from other survivors
- VIMIL, a network for those who have lost someone in the midst of life (vimil.se. in Swedish) External link.
- Help for children, young people and their families (randigahuset.se, in Swedish) External link.
- Support for those who have lost someone to suicide (spes.se, in Swedish) External link.
- Hope, support when you have lost someone to suicide (hopeattlevavidare.se, in Swedish) External link.
- Support for parents who have lost a child (vsfb.se, in Swedish) External link.
- Support to those who have lost a loved one to an act of violence (rav.se, in Swedish) External link.
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