National Grief Awareness Week was established to raise awareness about grief, supporting those who are grieving and fostering an open and compassionate understanding of the grieving process. It acknowledges that grief is a natural response to loss and aims to break the stigma surrounding this deeply personal experience.
For unpaid carers, grief often feels like an unspoken part of the caregiving journey. It’s there in the background, shaping your thoughts and emotions, yet so often overshadowed by the demands of the role. Many carers, face a unique kind of grief: anticipatory grief. Watching someone you care for experience illness or decline can bring an overwhelming sense of loss, even as they’re still with you. The future may feel uncertain, and the responsibilities of caregiving might leave little room to process these emotions.
And when the caregiving role ends, there is often post-loss grief a blend of sadness, longing, and sometimes unexpected feelings like relief or guilt. You may also grieve the loss of your caregiving identity, which might have become a core part of who you are. It’s not uncommon to feel adrift, wondering what’s next or who you are outside of this role.
Grief, in all its forms, is a natural and profound response to love and loss and should be met with understanding and support. As an unpaid carer, it’s essential to honour your own emotional journey, even if you’re used to putting someone else’s needs first. Below are some tips to help you when dealing with grief…
Acknowledge Your Feelings
Grief isn’t just about sadness. It can include anger, fear, confusion, or even moments of relief and gratitude. It can be difficult to accept but all these feelings are valid, and allowing yourself to sit with them is an important step in healing. Grief is unique to an individual, so it is important to remember, there’s no “right” way to grieve.
Be Gentle With Yourself
Caregiving often means neglecting your own needs, but during times of grief, self-care is crucial. Even small acts, like taking a walk in nature, reading a comforting book, or practicing mindfulness, can make a difference. If you can, carve out time for activities that bring you joy or peace.
Look After Your Physical Health
Although it may be the last thing on your mind, making sure you take care of your physical needs are important. Make sure that you are eating and drinking regularly, even if you don’t feel particularly hungry, it will help boost your energy levels. Although grief is tiring, sleep can often be difficult but do try to rest when you can, many people find relaxation exercises help. Lastly, move your body however feels best for you, take a walk in nature, stretch or join a class. Physical exercise no matter how small has been proven to have a positive impact on our wellbeing.
Seek Support
Grief can feel isolating, and overwhelming but you are not alone. Talk to someone who understands, this could be a trusted friend, a family member, or a professional. There are many services that provide a confidential space to talk or the opportunities to join groups where you can connect with others who’ve been through similar experiences. Sharing your story can be incredibly freeing. Counselling or therapy can also be very helpful and can provide tools to help you navigate complex emotions and begin rebuilding your sense of self after caregiving. There’s no shame in asking for help—it’s a sign of strength.
Here at Carers Trust Solihull, we understand the importance of post-bereavement support. That is why we continue to support carers for up to 12 months following bereavement. We are currently working on developing this part of our services to better meet the needs of carers. To help us with this, we would like to invite feedback and ideas from carers who have experienced bereavement. Your insights will help us shape and improve this type of support. If you are interested in sharing your feedback, ideas, or experiences, please click HERE.
Carers Talk Podcast
If you didn’t already know, we have our own podcast called Carers Talk! In episode 10, we discuss end-of-life care and support but also explore the emotions carers often face, the practicalities of preparing for end-of-life care, and much more. You can listen to it by clicking HERE.
Resources
Marie Curie Hospice West Midlands – Based in Solihull they have a variety of resources and in person group support. You can view more by clicking the flyers below. For more information you can call them on 0121 703 3600
https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/hospice-care/west-midlands
https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-support/contact-local-branch/birmingham/
Telephone – 0121 687 8010
Email: support@crusebirmingham.co.uk
Solihull Bereavement Service
https://solihullbereavement.co.uk/
Telephone – 0121 424 5103
Bereavement counselling
https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/practical-support/when-caring-ends-or-changes/
Practical advice and support for when caring comes to an end.
https://www.hospiceuk.org/our-campaigns/dying-matters
Resources on hospice care, end of life and bereavement
