Tips on grief and how to help

Humans are social beings. Feeling connected to others gives us purpose and happiness, while losing a loved one can make us feel alone, angry, confused and overwhelmed. Going through grief doesn’t always make sense either. But when you’re back up by the right support, knowledge and strategies, navigating through that process can be easier.

MyGriefAssist is an online resource that provides further helpful information on grief and loss. In the exclusive video feature 'Coping with your grief' by Doris Zagdanski the journey of grief is beautifully described complimented with photography and music.

For more detailed information on grief, visit MyGriefAssist.

Here are simple things you can do to help someone who has lost a loved one.

• Offer to pick up guests coming for the funeral from the airport.
• Offer an extra bedroom to out-of-town family members or friends.
• Offer to drive grieving people where they need to go. Deep grief can impair driving and concentration. Be willing to wait for them while they finalise funeral arrangements.
• Cook meals. Bring them in ready to heat dishes or plastic containers for freezing. And don’t expect them to be returned.
• Clean the house. Ask if you can do a load of washing or take home a basket of ironing.
• Mow the lawn. Sweep. Rake leaves. Tidy flower beds.
• Bring toilet paper. Paper towels. Paper plates. Napkins. All the things you need when there are extra people in the house.
• Bring folding chairs and tables to the home, as they are easy to set up and take down as needed.
• Ask if they would like you to reply to any text or voicemail messages on their behalf.
• If the bereaved person is a carer, offer to take over that responsibility for a time.
• Take children to the park or out for ice cream if they are comfortable leaving their parents.
• Take the dogs for regular walks.
• Offer to be the one who sits with and takes care of toddlers at the funeral, allowing the parents to focus their attention on the ceremony.
• Stay in touch. Experience tells us that after the funeral is over, visitors and offers of help decline quickly. This is a time when help around the house, ongoing support and a listening ear can be much appreciated.
  

Many community organisations provide support, as well as some larger well known organisations that work throughout Australia. These include:

• Lifeline 13 11 14
• The Salvation Army Counselling Service (all states) 1800 551 800
• Grief Support (02) 9489 6644
• Care Ring (VIC) 13 61 69
• Community Services Departments of all state governments

Every person reacts differently to loss and every person will display their grief differently. You may feel alone, helpless and at a complete loss of what to do and just getting up in the morning can seem like a monumental task. However we know also that in time you will be able to look back and see how each tiny step became the foundations of future hope and possibilities.

For more comprehensive information on grief, you can visit the MyGriefAssist website.