“Acknowledge my grief” - experiences and needs of bereavement support in Sweden following the death of a loved one

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> Background Grief affects most people at some point, and is commonly associated with psychological distress, reduced well-being, and difficulties in everyday functioning. Support for the bereaved is crucial for grief management, but there is a lack of evidence on how grief support should be arranged and offered. This study aims to highlight the support bereaved people in Sweden have been offered and what they wished had been offered. Method Participants answered a web survey with open questions about which support they received after a loved one’s death, if they were satisfied with the support and what they felt was missing. A total of 472 participants’ answers were analysed with a conventional content analysis, which resulted in eleven categories divided into two overarching themes. Results A majority (58.5%) of the participants felt that the support had not been enough. Received support varied and included support from social networks, healthcare, civil society and church, but also a lack of support. Desired support included information about grief and grief support, improved structure and organisation of given support, availability of counselling, practical help, economic assistance and wider knowledge about grief in society. Conclusion Bereavement support in Sweden is provided by a wide range of societal actors, but the findings suggest important gaps in its structure, continuity, and visibility. Further research is needed to determine which bereaved individuals need which types of support, and when, in order to ensure that support is appropriate, effective, and socioeconomically sustainable.