Bereavement after parental loss

 
 

What is bereavement after parental loss?

Losing a parent—at any age—can be profoundly destabilising. It brings grief, identity shifts, and often a sense of emotional dislocation. Whether expected or sudden, the loss can create lasting impact.

“Even as an adult, I felt completely unanchored when my dad died. I didn’t realise how much I still needed him. I felt so guilty for not telling him how much he meant to me before he passed.”

Different experiences of parental loss

Parental loss is unique for everyone. Some grieve a close, loving bond, while others mourn the loss of a difficult or unresolved relationship. Adults may feel pressure to ‘cope well’ or support others, pushing their own grief aside. This can lead to suppressed sadness, guilt, or emotional burnout.

For those who lose a parent suddenly, grief may be traumatic and disorienting. If the loss is after a prolonged illness, there may be complex feelings of relief, exhaustion, or anticipatory grief. People often describe feeling “orphaned”, even in midlife, and may re-evaluate their role in the family, mortality, or past dynamics

“Supporting patients through grief is some of the most meaningful work we do. With care and compassion, recovery is possible—even after devastating loss.”

Symptoms of bereavement after parental loss

  • Emotional numbness or overwhelming sadness
  • Guilt about unresolved issues or missed time
  • Shifts in family roles or identity
  • Anxiety about own health or ageing
  • Sleep problems or low energy
  • Feeling “orphaned” or adrift
  • Increased sense of mortality
  • Recurring memories or regrets
  • Avoidance of reminders or memorials
  • Feeling responsible for supporting others
Our approach
 

Our approach to treating bereavement after parental loss

At Bloomfield Health, we offer a space to explore grief at your own pace—especially if emotions are complicated by past experiences, guilt, or unfinished conversations. Our clinicians use compassionate evidence-based approaches including bereavement counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help you process and make sense of your loss. We also offer support for those balancing grief with caregiving or other life pressures.

 

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Grief can come from loss of possibility, not just relationship. Complex or estranged bonds can evoke deep pain.

Very much so. Emotional numbness is a common early or prolonged response to loss.

Absolutely. Many people seek support years later, especially if grief was suppressed or unresolved.

There’s no set timeline. Grief doesn’t follow rules. If it’s affecting daily life, professional support can help.

This is common. We can explore this gently in therapy and provide tools to help you manage it.

Yes. Loss can magnify old dynamics. Therapy can help you process this safely.

Absolutely. These are often central to healing and can be addressed through narrative and imaginal techniques.

Yes. With time and support, the pain softens and becomes more manageable. You carry it differently.

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