The traumatic experience of bereavement affects people in many different ways and may produce bodily symptoms of distress which prompt the bereaved to consult their doctor. A general practitioner who is familiar and comfortable with theexpression of intense emotions, and aware of the grieving process and of risk factors which may complicate healing, can have a key role in preventing signficant morbidity and mortality in the bereaved population. In this article the authors provide some guidelines from their clinical experience over the past 16 years and suggest further reading which may help doctors to be more effective in providing appropriate support.