Bereavement support in Victoria - Australia.
Help when you are grieving
For many of the people I work with, the first few weeks after their person has died, are extremely busy and filled with visitors, admin and the distraction of organising the funeral.
But once the dust settles and others have gone back to their lives, this is the time that is often the hardest in the grief journey.
And it’s at this time, that I often hear from clients and families, asking if I can recommend organisations to help them get through the next few weeks, months and even years.
So, with that in mind, I have created a list to share and refer back to anytime that feels right for you.
There is no timeline to grief
It’s important to acknowledge that and forgive yourself if you are unable to stick to anything that you had self-imposed.
I implore you to go gently on yourself, this is a really difficult journey filled with extreme highs and lows and one that most are completely ill-equipped to face.
And because of this, I invite you to seek assistance and tap into whatever bereavement support service you think would suit you and your needs:
Grief counselling and Bereavement support
Grief Australia
Grief counselling and the ability to refer you onto a Bereavement Therapist in Melbourne and wider Victoria.
Mygrief app – personalized strategies and solutions to help you get through the day to day.
A large list of recourses that you can search via topic.
Griefline (NSW and nation-wide)
Free tele-health grief line Monday – Friday 8am – 8pm AEST
(Interpreter support available for non-English speakers)Online forums that you can partake in, to speak with other people experiencing similar to you.
Support groups of 5-6 people that meet online 6 weeks in a row.
They can also refer you to a grief counselling specialist should you need
Bereavement Support Group
Compassionate Friends
Bereavement Support groups (amongst many other services) for bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings by those with lived experience of losing someone.)
After Suicide Support
Resourses, counselling and support groups for those that have been inpacted by suicide.
Podcasts
Deadly Serious Conversations
A dear colleague of mine, Fiona Garrivan has created this beautiful podcast that covers a wide range of topics.
Have an explore, I’m sure you’ll find one relevant to your story or needs right now.
Good Mourning
Education, inspiration and support via a podcast.
Meditation
Meditation and mindfulness are proving themselves to be extremely helpful tools in the mental health space.
Here is one specifically aimed at people suffering from grief, and if it works for you, you will find many more within the app store of your phones.
Grief Journal
The fabulous Jo Betz has put together this increcible journal after experiencing the loss of her husband.
She knows what you’re going through and understands what might help, if writing feels like the right path for you.
Reading
"Is This Normal?" authored by Jo Lincolne is a compassionate book that serves as a guiding light for individuals navigating the early days of grief. Whether you've experienced the loss of a significant person or find yourself struggling with the grieving process, this book aims to offer comfort and reassurance.
It lets you know that the feelings you are going through are perfectly normal and that you are not alone in your experiences.
Designed thoughtfully and deliberately, this book caters to those who may feel unprepared for the grieving process. Its simple layout allows you to absorb one or several pages at your own pace, without the need to read it cover to cover.
The ultimate objective of "Is This Normal?" is to empower grievers by equipping them with valuable information, enabling them to set aside worries and allow themselves to grieve. The book encourages readers to accept their grief in whatever form it appears and to find solace in the understanding that feeling "normal" is an integral part of their journey.
Urgent grief support
If you or someone you know are in need of emergency assistance, please contact one of these services first.
Suicide Line: 1300 651 251
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Griefline: 1300 845 745
Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636
I hope that reading this, you realise that you are not alone and that there are incredible people and organisations out that that can help.
Please, don’t be afraid to reach out and seek it.
Go gently and all the very best.
XX Klara