Mental health library · 3 guides
Trauma, loss and grief
Trauma and grief touch nearly every life, yet they can feel impossible to name or carry. This part of the library is for anyone who has lost someone, survived something terrible, or lived through events that left a mark on your body and mind. Whether it happened yesterday or decades ago, you are not alone in what you feel, and healing is not about forgetting or fixing yourself overnight.
Here you will find gentle, practical writing on bereavement, abuse, violence, war, and the many ways people respond to overwhelming experiences. There is space for grief that does not fit neat categories, for mourning across cultures, and for the quiet aftermath of childhood harm. You can read at your own pace, skip what is not for you, and come back when you need to.
Start here
- What Causes Grief After Death?Why some losses hit harder than others. How sudden death, traumatic circumstances, and lack of support shape grief. What to watch for and when to get help.8 min
- Signs Grief May Be Turning Into DepressionLearn to recognise when grief after a loss may be deepening into depression, and what you can do to find support.8 min
- What Grief After Death Feels LikeWhat grief after death really feels like: the emotions, physical symptoms, and how it changes over time. Honest, practical guidance.8 min
All guides on trauma & grief 3
Common questions about trauma & grief
Am I supposed to feel this way months or years later?
There is no timeline for grief or trauma. Many people find that feelings shift and return in waves, sometimes long after the event. What you feel is not a sign you are broken.
Why do I keep having flashbacks or nightmares?
Flashbacks and nightmares are the brain's way of trying to process something that felt overwhelming. They are common after trauma and often lessen over time, especially with the right support.
Is it normal to feel numb or nothing at all?
Yes. Numbness is a protective response when feelings are too big to hold. It can last for a while and may fade gradually as you feel safer.
What is the difference between grief and trauma?
Grief is the response to loss, while trauma is the response to an event that felt threatening or overwhelming. They often overlap, especially when a loss is sudden or violent.
Can children remember trauma that happened before they could talk?
The body and nervous system can hold memories even when conscious recall is not there. Children and adults may carry the effects of early trauma without clear verbal memories.
When should I think about getting professional help?
Consider reaching out if your feelings are making it hard to eat, sleep, work, or care for yourself, or if you feel stuck, unsafe, or hopeless. A therapist or doctor can help you figure out what kind of support fits.
How do I find support in my own language or culture?
Many therapists offer sessions in languages other than English, and some community organisations run culturally specific support groups. You can ask local services or search for practitioners who share your background.
What if my grief is not for a person who died?
Grief can come from many losses: a relationship, a home, a sense of safety, a future you expected. This kind of grief is real and deserves space.
I lost someone to suicide. Is this grief different?
Suicide bereavement often brings shock, guilt, shame, and complicated questions. It is a distinct kind of loss, and many people find it helpful to connect with others who have been through something similar.
Does talking about trauma make it worse?
It can feel worse at first, but with a safe person and at your own pace, talking can help your nervous system process what happened. You do not have to share more than you are ready to.
Will I always feel this way?
The intensity usually shifts over time. Many people find that while the loss or memory does not disappear, it becomes easier to carry, and life can hold meaning and pleasure again.
Need help right now?
If you might act on thoughts of harming yourself, or someone is in danger, call your emergency number now.
- United Kingdom Samaritans 116 123 (free, any time) · NHS 111 · emergency 999
- Ireland Samaritans 116 123 · text HELLO to 50808 · emergency 112 or 999
- United Arab Emirates National support line 800 4673 · emergency 999 (ambulance 998)
- Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline 988 (call or text) · emergency 911
- Anywhere else find free, confidential helplines in your country at findahelpline.com