Experiencing the death of someone close to you, or another significant loss, can be one of life's most difficult experiences. Grief is a natural response to loss, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve.
Everyone's experience is different and can be influenced by their relationship with the person who has died, cultural beliefs and traditions, the circumstances of the loss, and the support available to them. You may experience a range of emotions, including sadness, shock, numbness, anger, guilt, relief, or confusion.
Grief can feel overwhelming and may affect your concentration, motivation, relationships, and studies. It is also common for feelings of grief to resurface, even many years after a loss, particularly during times of stress or change.
Other types of loss
Not all grief is related to bereavement. People can also experience grief following the loss of:
- a relationship or friendship
- their health or wellbeing
- a sense of safety following trauma
- opportunities, plans, or future goals
- a family home
- university life after graduation
- other significant life changes
Some people may also experience anticipatory grief, which can occur when someone they care about is seriously ill or approaching the end of their life.
Self-help resources
- Royal College of Psychiatrists: Bereavement
- NHS: Coping with Bereavement
- Help is at Hand (for those bereaved by suicide)
Podcasts
- Grief Works - hosted by grief psychotherapist Julia Samuel, this podcast shares personal stories of loss, resilience, and recovery.
- Grief Encounters - a podcast exploring grief and bereavement through open conversations and shared experiences.
- Griefcast - a compassionate and often humorous podcast about grief, loss, and how people cope after bereavement.
Support from the University
It doesn’t matter if your bereavement happened recently or a long time ago. If it impacts you, we’re here to help.
- Complete the self-referral form to talk to the University’s Student Wellbeing Service. We’ll invite you to an initial appointment where we can explore appropriate support. This could include personalised short-term wellbeing, mental health or counselling support.
- Bereavement Café - offers a welcoming space to talk, listen, and connect with others who have experienced loss.
- Financial Assistance Fund – if you’re experiencing financial difficulties. This could be an impact on your funding, your ability to continue paid work or extra housing costs.
- Leeds University Union Help and Support – practical advice on managing your finances, studies and housing needs while you deal with a bereavement.
- Contact the Student Information Service or university Chaplaincy for confidential, impartial advice.
Support outside of the university
- Child Bereavement UK – guidance and support if you’ve experienced a bereavement. You can also contact them if you’re coping with a loved one’s terminal illness.
- Student Grief Network – connect with other bereaved students.
- Let’s Talk About Loss – a safe space for 18 to 35 year-olds to talk about grief.