How grief is shown on screen (films and TV)
Grief is a really common theme in TV, film, books, and more, so why is it such a taboo subject for some people to talk about?
Recognise that they have lost someone really important, how significant this is for them and let them know it is okay to feel sad, angry, or anything else. You might be thinking it, but saying out loud that you can see how difficult this is for them can help to validate their feelings.
Don’t worry if your partner is unusually emotional, this is a natural grief response. You could try asking if there is anything you can do to help. They may like to be hugged, to spend time doing something together, or they may prefer to spend some time on their own.
Understand if they just want to be quiet and be by themselves. They may not be able to say much at times, but remind them you are there for when they do feel ready to open up.
Go at their pace. Try not to pressure them to do anything they are not yet ready for. It can be tempting to suggest lots of things you might think will help, but it's important to let them come to you if your suggestions are not what they want right now. Follow their lead, and when they are ready, they will let you know.
Be consistent with checking in on how they are. They may feel like talking one day and then being quiet the next. Follow their lead, but know that checking in and asking about them will mean a lot to them.
If they are happy to talk about the important person who has died, try to be comfortable listening and talking about them too. You can also share stories if you knew the person, or ask more about them if you didn’t. Showing an interest in the life of their important person can be really comforting for your partner.
Try suggesting to your partner to engage in some self-care, this can mean just simple things like having a hot shower or bath, listening to music, or even eating a piece of fruit. It's really important they continue looking after their basic needs and being kind to themselves by taking time to look after their own wellbeing at this difficult time. Support them to do things they enjoy if they feel ready to.
Is there anything they need to arrange following the death that you could help with? Do they need help tidying up or doing a clothes wash? These basic tasks can seem very overwhelming if you are grieving, so offering some help can be really thoughtful.
Check in on their mental health. Ask how they are feeling and check they can keep themselves safe, if their mental health is concerning them, encourage them to speak to a GP, call 999 in an emergency, or Samaritans on 116 123 for someone to talk to. If they would like support with their grief, encourage them to contact a grief support service. Winston’s Wish supports bereaved people up to the age of 25. Scroll down to find out how to contact us.
And remember to look after yourself. It is really easy to want to prioritise the well-being of the person you love, but in order to keep supporting them, you must keep yourself safe and well too. Take some time to do the things you enjoy, get enough sleep, and remember to drink water and eat.
Grief is complex, it’s complicated and it’s messy. Whilst everyone grieves differently there are some common threads and themes it can be helpful to know. Our live talks are free, online information sessions led by a bereavement support worker. They cover the impact of grief, common feelings and ways to cope. We run talks for grieving young people aged 16-25 years old and for parents, carers and other family members supporting grieving children and young people.
See live talksIf you need to talk, we’re here to listen. You can speak to the Winston’s Wish bereavement team using one of our confidential on-demand services. You can chat with us anonymously if you wish and share whatever you are feeling. Nothing about your grief is off limits. We promise to listen, not judge and can offer advice and guidance if needed. You can speak to us as little or as often as you want.
Click the blue 'chat with us' button at the bottom right of your screen between 8am-8pm, weekdays.
Call us for free on 08088 020 021 between 8am-8pm, weekdays.
For out of hours mental health support, you can use Shout's 24/7 messenger service by texting WW to 85258.
For urgent support, please call 999.
If you need to speak to us in a language other than English, we can use interpreters over the phone, and we can use the Relay UK app if you have hearing or speech difficulties.
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