Coronavirus, bereavement and grief

Grieving in isolation

During the global coronavirus pandemic we are facing a tragic loss of life, often under very difficult circumstances. Being bereaved can be a lonely time, and isolation due to the current situation can make it more difficult.

We are here to support you with information and advice.

Grieving and isolation

Grieving during the coronavirus pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has made things particularly hard for those who are grieving. Watch Andy Langford, the Clinical Director for Cruse Bereavement Care, explain some of the common experiences we've heard from bereaved people.

Coping with changing restrictions

In the UK the restrictions put in place due to Covid-19 have been constantly changing, through three lockdowns and periods of opening up. Coping with change can bring its own problems if you have been bereaved.

Traumatic bereavement

If someone dies of coronavirus, it may be particularly traumatic for family and friends especially if you didn't have the opportunity to say goodbye in person.

Funerals and memorials

During the coronavirus pandemic there have been restrictions on how funerals can be held. Many people have not been able to say goodbye in the way they expected, and this can be very distressing.

Current advice

Coping with talk of death and dying

At the moment it is impossible to avoid of discussion of death and dying. This can bring up difficult feelings for those with anxiety and mental health issues. It can also bring up difficult feelings and memories of past bereavements.

What to say to someone who is bereaved

In these difficult times it matters more than ever that you reach out to those who are suffering after someone dies. We can offer some tips to those who might worry about what to say to someone who is grieving.

Children and young people

Children and young people will be affected by what is going on around them, and may have many fears about the situation and the coronavirus.

Coping as a front line responder

Many people working on the front line of care or responding to the current pandemic will be having to deal with extremely distressing events, while working under pressured and stressful conditions. We offer some support and advice.

Feeling guilty

Feeling guilty is very common when someone is bereaved. No-one is perfect and sometimes blaming ourselves can be easier than blaming the person who died or others. Find out more.

Anger and blame

Feelings of anger and blame are common after any bereavement. When someone has died under sudden or traumatic circumstances it can make these feelings worse.

Feeling your grief is not a priority

There can be a strong spoken or unspoken feeling that certain deaths are more tragic than others. But every death can be a tragedy for friends and relatives left behind.

Grieving for celebrities or those you didn't know

Sometimes people are shocked by how upset they can feel when a famous person dies, and even that they should not be grieving. But there are some good reasons why people can feel deeply affected when someone famous dies.

Information and resources

Advice for employers

If you are an employer at this time more of your staff may be bereaved and struggling.

Easy read factsheets

Easy read factsheet versions of Cruse coronavirus resources to download, print out and share.

Useful links

Charities and other organisations which can provide advice and support during the coronavirus pandemic.

You are not alone. We're here to support you.

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Our partners

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Cruse Bereavement Care is grateful for the support of the National Lottery and Government to ensure we can deliver support to those affected by bereavement during the pandemic. Funding is helping us to provide essential training to volunteers, adapt to remote delivery and deliver vital ongoing support.