What are the impacts of bereavement?
The effect of a bereavement will vary depending on different factors - including the nature of the relationship with the person who dies, whether a death was sudden or expected, other life stressors and the availability of supports. Emotional and Cognitive Impacts of bereavement can be wide ranging and may shift over time in their intensity. These can include, particularly in the early phases of loss, impacts on our memory and thinking, such as difficulties with concentration, impaired decision-making or confusion. Sadness and yearning are more expected emotional experiences; however anger, guilt and regret may characterise some people’s experiences. While these emotional impacts are normal, for some they can be overwhelming and may require support to navigate. In 2022 of all people accessing primary care counselling, about 1 in 3 (31.4%) reported bereavement related problems 20 . Bereavement was the fifth most common reason reported for support from these services. Physical Grief can impact on physical health causing tiredness, loss of appetite and difficulties sleeping to name but a few. Financial A study by Irish Hospice Foundation 21 found that: • 22% of people who experienced a bereavement faced financial challenges • 28% said they would prefer to take out a private loan, rather than seek assistance from government or a charity to pay for a funeral • There were poor levels of awareness and knowledge about the Government grants and supports available to people following a bereavement Funeral costs Funeral rituals vary between traditions, religions and cultures, but regardless of this the costs are significant: buying a grave, funeral directors’ fees, gravediggers’ fees, transport, flowers, officiators’ fees, music, hospitality for mourners and headstones. €6,252 The average cost of a funeral in 2024, according to a national survey by An Post 22
These costs have increased by 14% since 2022 (€5,484) and are up 42% since 2016 (€4,062)
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Irish Hospice Foundation
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