Coping with the Loss of a Sibling

Bereaved Siblings Month: Recognising Silent Grief

Every November, Worldwide Bereaved Siblings Month calls us to reach out to anyone who has lost a brother or sister — no matter how long ago. Losing a sibling leaves a unique and lasting void. The sibling bond is woven into our lives from childhood, shaping our memories and identity. When that connection ends, it can feel like part of our history has been lost too.

A simple message — “I was thinking of your sister today” — can mean more than words convey. Grief doesn’t vanish with time; it changes shape, and it often hides in silence.

The Forgotten Grievers

Sibling loss is frequently overlooked. When a family member’s death occurs, the focus tends to fall on parents, spouses, or children of the deceased. This means that adult siblings often take on strength and support roles, dealing with the funeral arrangememts and making sure everyone else in the family is okay. Because of this, their own grief is sometimes left unspoken.

For children, losing a sibling can have lifelong implications. These young individuals are sometimes referred to as the forgotten grievers, as their emotional pain may not be fully acknowledged. They might struggle to express themselves, worry about their parents, or feel invisible in their own grief. Without care, these feelings can evolve into anxiety or loneliness that carries into adulthood.

Encouraging open conversation, memory-sharing and involvement in remembrance activities can help children process their grief and feel heard.

Why Sibling Grief Can Be Complex

Grief over a sibling carries its own unique mixture of emotions. Unlike grief over a parent or partner, sibling loss comes wrapped in layers of shared lives, rivalry, camaraderie, distance, or closeness.

If you’re coping with the loss of a sibling, you may experience:

• Guilt – For being alive, for things left unsaid, or for times of conflict.

• Regret – Over lost time, opportunities, or emotional distance.

• Loneliness – Because your sibling knew a part of you few others did.

• Responsibility -Stepping in to support parents or managing family memories.

Coping Strategies for Sibling Loss

Dealing with grief is deeply personal, but here are some strategies that may help you begin to heal:

• Acknowledge your grief – Let yourself feel sadness, anger or confusion. There’s no correct timeline or shape for your grief.

• Talk about your sibling – Share memories, stories and photographs. Keeping their name alive honours their place in your life.

• Create a tribute – Light a candle, plant a tree, or build a memory box with letters or objects that remind you of them.


• Find support – Connect with others who have experienced sibling loss. You’re not alone in this.

• Maintain your wellbeing – Good sleep, nutrition and fresh air support emotional strength.

• Support children – Encourage them to draw, write or talk about their sibling. Children’s grief deserves understanding.


• Celebrate their life – Mark birthdays or anniversaries in a positive way, e.g. volunteering or donating to a favourite charity.

• Consider professional help – A counsellor experienced in grief can guide you through guilt, confusion or persistent emotional pain.

Where to Find Support

If you are coping with the loss of a sibling and would appreciate extra care or community, these organisations are here to help:

• The Compassionate Friends UK – Support for families after the death of a child or sibling.

• Child Bereavement UK – Guidance and counselling for children and young people experiencing loss.

If you’re finding this journey tough, remember — reaching out is not a sign of weakness but of strength.

Honouring Sibling Bonds with Bennetts Funeral Directors