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Sudden Death: Facing the unimaginable
Sudden Death: Facing the Unimaginable Life can change in an instant. One phone call, one message, one moment—and suddenly, the world you knew is gone. Sudden loss pulls the ground out from under you. When someone you love dies suddenly, the world stops making sense. In a way, it stops altogether. You’ve been punched in Read More
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Firsts: Surviving the year after a death in France
Anniversary Firsts: The first year of grief brings a succession of painful firsts. The most obvious milestones are anniversaries — the date they died, their birthday. Other difficult days include your wedding anniversary, Christmas, Easter, and Mother’s Day. Ultimately, the list of significant dates can feel endless. Read More
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Grief & Anxiety
Grief & Anxiety: The overlooked emotion When people speak of grief and loss, often the most common emotions and feelings that we hear are ones such as sadness, numbness, disbelief or anger, perhaps guilt and confusion. Rarely do we read or hear about people suffering from anxiety that even cause panic attacks. However, it is Read More
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20-years-of-support
Picture a sunny afternoon in the Var, 2005. A small group of people are sitting together, sharing stories over coffee. To a passerby, it looks like any other social gathering. But there is a quiet, deeper shared bond: everyone at that table is living life after the loss of a partner. Trevor Zutshi, a retired Read More
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The grieving process
The Myth: For too long, many believed grief followed five specific stages in a set order. They thought that once these steps were complete, the business of grieving was finished This theory is known as the Kübler-Ross Model. It originated from Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s 1960s work with terminally ill patients, rather than those grieving a death. Read More
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Grief and Christmas
It’s that time of year – Ho… Ho… No… It’s that time of year – holidays, families getting together, celebration. The expectation of excitement, connection and fun is in the air. We are bombarded by internet, TV, radio and in the shops. Everywhere you look there’s the pressure to “Enjoy the Holidays!” But what about Read More
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Coping with holidays after loss
It’s that time of year when everyone seems to be excited about going on or planning their holidays. Planning a holiday after losing a loved one — a spouse, partner or child — can feel daunting. You probably don’t have the enthusiasm or the desire to do so. It’s hard to even imagine a holiday Read More
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Father’s Day: Honouring memories and managing a difficult day
Grieving on Father’s Day | English support in France Holidays often trigger more intense emotions when one is grieving. Father’s Day is no exception. With Father’s day looming we at the BSN are very aware of how difficult it can be for those who have lost their father or that person who was their father Read More
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Mother’s Day in France: Coping with local traditions after loss
Grief on Mother’s Day — why the feelings don’t fade Sunday is Mother’s Day here in France and it doesn’t matter how many Mother’s Days have passed since your mother died, the holiday can still trigger strong emotions. You may find yourself surprised at how much you still miss her. It’s been 26 years since Read More
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Easter: Holding space for your grief in a season of renewal
Easter and Spring, these words represent rebirth, nature exploding, Easter egg hunts, laughter and celebration. There is a sense of new beginnings and new life whether you participate in the religious holiday or not. However, if you are grieving the death of a loved one, this time often magnifies your loss and makes the mere Read More
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Mother’s Day UK: Balancing family traditions with the reality of loss
Anniversaries and holidays are often hard for those grieving. Nowhere is that truer than on Mother’s Day. It doesn’t matter if it is the 1st or the 21st Mother’s Day without your mother, it often evokes strong emotions such as longing, yearning, sadness, loneliness, anger and despair. When distance makes it harder Living in France Read More
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Managing grief on Valentine’s Day
Coping with the loss of a loved one on Valentine’s Day Holidays can be harsh reminders of the love you have lost. Just as the winter holiday season seems finally behind you, Valentine’s Day arrives. Hearts, roses and messages of love and togetherness are suddenly everywhere.. It is so easy to feel alone and isolated Read More
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