Bridget Jones and the Grief We Don’t Often Talk About

How the latest Bridget Jones story opens up conversations about loss — and why counselling can help

Earlier this year, the latest Bridget Jones film, Mad About the Boy, was released, showing us Bridget in unfamiliar territory. Mark Darcy - Bridget’s great love - has died. She’s now a widow, raising their children while juggling work, single parenthood, and the unpredictability of midlife. It’s still the Bridget we know and love - sharp, messy, and relatable - but this time, grief is part of the story.

The film opens up space to reflect on the kinds of grief we don’t always name in everyday life. There’s the deep pain of losing a partner, yes - but also the more subtle losses: identity, certainty, youth, a sense of belonging. Bridget finds herself alone, unsure, and in a world that seems to have moved on without her.

These quieter griefs are deeply human - and surprisingly common. But many people feel they shouldn’t still be struggling. “It’s been long enough.” “Others have it worse.” “I should have moved on.” Grief doesn’t work that way. It comes in waves. It doesn’t follow a neat timeline. And it often brings with it a tangle of emotions: sadness, anger, guilt, even moments of relief. 

It can also lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, especially when the world expects you to be ‘over it’ while you’re still just trying to get through the day.

In my therapy practice, I often work with people carrying these invisible burdens. Sometimes it’s the loss of a loved one. Other times, it's a living loss - the end of a relationship, a shift in identity, or the slow realisation that life hasn't gone the way they'd hoped. What they share is a need for space: to feel, to talk, to be understood.

Grief counselling offers that space. A chance to pause, reflect, and find new ways forward -gently and at your own pace.

If Bridget’s story struck a chord with you, or if you’re carrying something difficult right now, I offer one-to-one grief counselling in Forest Row and just a mile away in Colemans Hatch, Hartfield. I also offer walk-and-talk sessions in the local countryside and online sessions (UK-wide).

If you're unsure whether therapy is right for you, I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so you can get a feel for how I work as a counsellor. 

Grief is rarely tidy. It’s complex, raw, and uniquely yours. And while Bridget may stumble through hers with humour, distraction and wine - you don’t have to navigate yours alone.

If you're curious about counselling or want to find out more, feel free to get in touch:

E: annabelwardtherapy@gmail.com

T: 07595 396 305

I'd love to hear from you! 

You can also find out more about how I work at: www.annabelwardtherapy.co.uk