Lost for words: new study on grief from SSAFA

26 October 2022

• 53% FIND IT UNCOMFORTABLE TO KNOW WHAT TO SAY TO SOMEONE WHO HAS LOST A LOVED ONE
  
  
• WHILE ONE IN THREE FIND IT DIFFICULT TO OPEN TO OTHERS AFTER LOSING SOMEONE
  
  
• MAJORITY REGARD DEATH AND DYING AS A TABOO SUBJECT

 

They say one of the hardest things about life is death and there are often no words for the pain felt. Losing someone important is emotionally devastating – whether it’s a family member, close friend or even a beloved pet. And while grief comes to almost everyone who loves someone in the end, why is it so difficult for us to open up about it with one another?

A new survey by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity shows that over half (56%) of Britons are scared they will say the wrong thing to someone who is grieving while over half (53%) find it uncomfortable or awkward to know what to say to someone who has lost a loved one.

However, it’s not just those who know someone grieving that are lost for words. Those who have experienced loss are also struggling to open up too – with more than a third (36%) admitting to feeling uncomfortable about talking about the death of someone they’ve lost.

Breaking the taboo:

The research suggests it’s a stage in life that most of us would perhaps rather not think about with three in five Brits (61%) agree that society still regards death and dying as a taboo subject.

Everyone experiences grief differently, including feelings of isolation, loneliness and distress. However, the latest research suggests that losing a loved one impacted feelings of sadness and loneliness for two in five (41%) whilst 28% have felt anxious after experiencing a bereavement.

The Aftershock

Furthermore, one in five (22%) mention that losing someone unexpectedly has had a significant impact on their mental health and 16% state experiencing a sudden death has impacted relationships with friends and family members.

SSAFA is here for military families throughout their lives. It supports families in a variety of ways from expanding family units via its adoption service, supporting those struggling with bereavement to hosting families with additional needs on its Short Breaks escape and providing welfare assistance to families in tough times. SSAFA recognises the importance of families and steadfast believes we all need to support each other.