A FEW DAYS AGO
Gently navigating the first few days
It is normal to feel overwhelmed or exhausted. While processing these emotions, several practical tasks require attention to help create a path forward.
Self-Care
Practical Help
- Take things one hour at a time
- Accept offers of practical support
- Prioritise sleep and gentle movement
- Obtain the medical certificate of death
- Register the death (usually within 5 days)
- Check the will for any funeral instructions
- Contact a funeral director
- Notify employers and schools
- Check for bereavement benefits
Find detailed guidance on registering a death or explore the UK government's "Tell Us Once" service.
Gentle ways to care for yourself
Rest (Just being)
Hydrate (Small sips)
Breathe (Soft focus)
Allow yourself time to simply exist. Your mind and body are working hard to process what has happened. Rest isn't a luxury right now; it is a necessity for your well-being.
Grief can be physically exhausting. Keep a glass of water nearby and take small, frequent sips. Staying hydrated helps manage the physical fog that often accompanies loss.
When feelings become overwhelming, try to find a soft focus for your eyes. Take a gentle breath in, and a long breath out. This small anchor can help calm your nervous system.
Immediate Practical Steps
It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed right now. Taking these first practical steps one at a time can help you softly find your way through these early days.
- Register the death within 5 days—this is the standard in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Obtain the medical certificate from the GP or hospital to allow the process to move forward.
- Contact a funeral director to begin making gentle arrangements for your loved one.
- Locate the will and check for any specific funeral wishes or final instructions.
- Notify employers and schools as soon as you feel ready so they can support you.
- Check for eligibility for Bereavement Support Payment or other practical state benefits.