‘Let’s talk about grief’ is the awareness campaign this year that aims to reduce stigma through the sharing of engaging conversations, coping strategies, professional advice, and educational resources.
Grief is the emotional response experienced following the death of a loved one. It is a natural and normal feeling that helps us process what has happened. Grief allows us to gradually adjust to our loss and find a way of going on with our life without the person who has died. At times, we may need support to navigate these changes and cope with our emotions. Grief and bereavement support makes up an integral part of palliative care. This support can be provided to families and carers before a person dies and afterwards. There are also some excellent online resources available.
Helping someone who is grieving
No one can take away the pain and sadness of grief, but knowing that people care is comforting and healing for grieving people. You cannot fix it, but you can help.
Here are some suggestions for things that might help:
- keep in touch and be prepared to just listen
- be open in showing your concern and care
- help in practical ways
- express your sorrow about their loss
- talk about the person who has died – use their name if culturally appropriate
- remember that many people may be grieving, including children, grandparents, friends
- make contact again, even if there was no response the first time – sometimes people will want to talk and sometimes they won’t
- share memories and stories
- remember and acknowledge birthdays, death days, anniversaries and other special days
Remember that everyone’s journey through grief is different and can last a long or short time. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you think your friends needs help.
Source NALAG and Palliative Care Australia
During Grief awareness month, Griefline has joined forces with the National Association for Loss and Grief (NSW) Inc (NALAG), to spark a movement for sharing courageous conversations on grief and loss.
Please click HERE to access information about Community events available as well as Educational Programs.
Click HERE to access a wide range of resources regarding grief, loss and bereavement.
Grief and bereavement will feature as a topic at our Biennial Conference this year, PCNSW is thrilled to share that Dr Kristin Bindley will be a keynote speaker at our State Conference this year. Her presentation titled ‘Privilege and precarity: cultivating equity-oriented approaches to dying, caring and grieving’, will explore the experience of people who are positioned as structurally vulnerable at the end of life and in bereavement, and likely to encounter disadvantages that are unfair, unjust and avoidable.
Possessing a strong interest in the social and structural determinants of experiences of caring, dying and grieving, Dr Bindley is passionate about equity-informed systems of health and social care. Kristin spent a significant period of her career in bereavement service coordination and working therapeutically with bereaved carers and family members in Western Sydney. Please click here to find out more.
#LetsTalkAboutGrief, #GetToKnowGrief, and #GriefAwareness