A Reflection on Grief, Death Anxiety, and How Hypnotherapy in Burton-on-Trent Can Support Healing
Why We Need to Break the Silence Around Grief, Death Anxiety, and How Hypnotherapy Can Help
“We Thought We Had More Time”: A Reflection on Loss, Connection, and Healing
Each May, Dying Matters Awareness Week invites us to open up conversations about death and dying. And honestly? We need to — because grief, anxiety, and death-related fears affect so many of us.
Like many people, I never gave it much thought. Death felt abstract — something distant, maybe decades away. Avoiding the topic is normal; it’s called mortality salience — the awareness of our own mortality — and psychologists agree that most of us instinctively shy away from it.
But life doesn’t always go as planned.
As a hypnotherapist based in Burton-on-Trent, I work with people who feel stuck in silent grief or overwhelmed by the fear of losing someone. And I know first-hand how important it is to create safe, compassionate spaces for healing.
The Death That Changed Everything
During the pandemic, I lost a dear friend. It was sudden, unexpected — and the first loss outside of older relatives I’d experienced.
I genuinely believed we had more time.
Because of COVID restrictions, the funeral was delayed. There was no wake. No chance to gather, hug, cry, share stories. I went home afterwards and felt hollow.
And what struck me most:
There wasn’t really space for my grief.
When a friend dies, it can feel like you’re grieving in the shadows. You’re not the spouse or sibling. You don’t get compassionate leave. You might not even get acknowledged.
But for so many of us, friends are our soul family. The people who know us deeply.
In my work with bereavement charities, I’ve rarely supported anyone grieving a friend. And I wonder:
Do they know they’re allowed to grieve that deeply? Or do they just carry on?
🧠 Why We Avoid Talking About Death
We avoid it for all sorts of reasons — fear, discomfort, trauma, not wanting to upset others.
But open, gentle conversations can help us:
Ease the burden for loved ones left behind
Clarify our values and wishes
Make space for shared meaning
Acknowledge and honour grief
These aren’t morbid discussions — they’re acts of love and care.
Try asking:
What kind of funeral would I want?
What music should be played?
What do I want people to remember me for?
📊 Did You Know?
73% of UK adults report experiencing anxiety — and 20% feel it most or all of the time
Most people avoid talking about death — but studies show that planning and conversation can reduce death-related anxiety and support mental wellbeing
Disenfranchised grief (grief that isn’t socially recognised) is linked to increased isolation and poorer outcomes for mental health
(Hypnotherapy can support both the emotional and physical symptoms that arise from this.)
How Hypnotherapy Can Support Grief and Loss
Whether you're navigating grief, experiencing anxiety about death, or feeling overwhelmed by unspoken emotions, hypnotherapy can gently support healing by:
Soothing the nervous system when grief feels too much
Creating safe space to express what’s unspoken
Releasing held tension from unresolved emotions
Supporting conversations around end-of-life wishes
Helping you find acceptance, meaning, and peace with the unknown
🌱 You Don’t Have to Carry It Alone
Grief doesn’t follow a schedule.
You don’t need to have all the answers.
You just need a safe place to begin.
If this resonates with you, I offer compassionate, non-judgemental hypnotherapy sessions in Burton-on-Trent and online. Whether you’re grieving a loss, feeling anxious about death, or struggling with unspoken pain, you are welcome here.
🕊️ Curious but unsure?
Book a free, no-pressure 20-minute call to explore whether this support feels right for you.
Let’s have the conversations that matter.
Because dying matters.
And you matter, too.
May 2025