Losing a loved person in life, or dealing with a bereavement, is one of the most challenging experiences we can face in life. The grieving process can be different for everyone, and it’s important to seek support and guidance during this difficult time.
Dealing with grief and loss in New South Wales
If you’re in Sydney and coping with grief and loss, there are some wonderful organisations and resources available. People in Victoria should read this article.
At Tomorrow Funerals, we’ve spent time researching a range of options to give you an overview of what’s available – from emotional counselling both online and face to face, through to a Centrelink bereavement payment.
If you decide to try one type of grief service and it does not feel right, we suggest looking at another approach, until you find something that connects.
Most importantly, if you are in urgent need of crisis or grief support, please contact:
- Suicide Line: 1300 651 251
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Griefline: 1300 845 745
- Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636
What are the stages of grief?
It might surprise you to know that there are not necessarily a strict number of stages of grief, rather it ebbs and flows over time.
Here are some key messages that we find more helpful:
Grief is felt and expressed in many ways. It’s different for everyone and there is no right or wrong way to grieve.
There is no time limit – it takes as long as it takes.
It’s important not to assume that because someone is older, they can adapt, or ‘get used’ to grief. Grief for older people, is still grief.
10 Resources for grief support in NSW
1. Griefline: GriefLine is a free national telephone support service that provides confidential support to individuals experiencing grief and loss. They offer a range of services, including telephone support, online chat, and email support.
2. The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement: The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement is a leading provider of education, research, and support in the field of grief and bereavement. They offer a range of services, including counselling, support groups, and professional development.
3. Sydney Counselling Centre: The Sydney Counselling Centre provides counselling and therapy services for individuals and couples dealing with grief and loss. Their team of experienced therapists can help you navigate your feelings and emotions and provide practical support during this difficult time.
4. The Compassionate Friends: The Compassionate Friends is a support group for parents who have experienced the death of a child. They offer a safe and supportive environment for parents to share their experiences and feelings.
5. Beyond Blue: Beyond Blue is a national mental health organisation that provides support and information to individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. They offer a range of resources and support services, including online chat and telephone support.
6. Red Nose Grief and Loss: Red Nose is a charity organisation that provides support to families who have experienced the death of a baby or child. They offer counselling, support groups, and information resources.
7. The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army provides a range of support services to individuals and families dealing with grief and loss. They offer practical support, counselling, and referrals to other community services.
8. Mindfulness meditation: Sydney Community Services is a community organisation that provides a range of support services, including meditation, which is reported as being helpful in dealing with difficult emotions like grief and loss.
9. Financial Assistance: Depending on your individual circumstances and your relationship to the person who has died you may be entitled to a Centrelink bereavement payment which is worth looking at.
10. Grief Journal: Jo Betz is an amazing young Victorian woman who experienced the sudden death of her husband in 2017. This event changed her life in many ways as she became a single Mother to her young daughter and over time, a spokesperson on the subject of grief. When she wrote her book “Grief – A Guided Journal By Jo Betz” she came from the place that because grief is so different for everyone, she would create a book for everyone to record their own diverse experiences with it. Journaling can be helpful in the process of moving through grief and has proven therapeutic benefits.
Dealing with grief and loss is never easy, but there are resources and support available to help you navigate this difficult time.
By reaching out to local organisations and support services, you can find the guidance and support you need to heal and move forward.
…