Although grief is an intensely personal experience, most people find they do need some support from other people. This may be from your family, friends or others in your social circle, particularly those who supported you while the person was dying. Sometimes it also helps to talk to people who aren’t directly involved in your life.
“I wanted a place where I could really talk about how I felt and I didn’t have to worry about hurting someone or protecting them.” – Lee
Peer support services
Sometimes you may feel that your family and friends don’t really understand your grief or aren’t interested in hearing about it any more, or you might feel that you can’t be entirely honest about your feelings with them.
Meeting other people who have had similar experiences to you can be worthwhile. You may feel supported and relieved to know that others understand what you are going through and that you are not alone, alone, even if you don’t feel like opening up right away, feel shy or worry that you don’t have anything worthwhile to say.
There are many ways for you and your family to connect with others for mutual support and to share information:
- face-to-face support groups, which often meet in community centres or hospitals
- online discussion forums where people can connect with each other at any time – you can find the Cancer Council Online Community at cancercouncil.com.au/OC
- telephone support groups for bereavement, facilitated by trained health professionals.
In these support settings, people often feel they can speak openly and share tips. You may find that you are comfortable talking about your experiences, your relationships with friends and family, and your hopes and fears for the future.
Ask your nurse or social worker or call Cancer Council 13 11 20 to find out about suitable support groups and peer support programs in your area.
Getting professional help
Most people cope with grief through the support of family and friends and sometimes a support group. But you may want to seek professional help if you are finding your pain unbearable, if you are struggling to function after a time or if you feel stuck and unable to move forward.
Bereavement counselling can help you learn to understand your reactions as part of the natural course of grief. You can also explore a range of strategies for adjusting to the changes in your life. The counselling is usually provided by a professional counsellor, therapist or psychologist with experience in supporting people who are grieving.
Counselling may not be appropriate immediately or very soon after the death, so if you feel unable to function at that time, talk to your doctor first.
Finding help
- Call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
- Ask your palliative care team for help accessing bereavement counselling.
- Griefline offers free and confidential telephone support 7 days a week. Call the toll-free national helpline on 1300 845 745 or visit griefline.org.au
- If you need crisis support or are feeling suicidal, contact Lifeline 13 11 14.
Expert content reviewers:
Kate Jurgens, Bereavement Coordinator, Southern Adelaide Palliative Services, SA; Gabrielle Asprey, Cancer Support Consultant, Cancer Council NSW; Assoc. Prof. Lauren Breen, Psychologist, Curtin University, WA; Rev. David Dawes, Manager, Spiritual Care Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Victoria; Rob Ferguson, Consumer; Karen Hall, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Joanna Mangan, Psychologist, Cancer Council Queensland; Kate Reed, Nurse Practitioner National Clinical Advisor, Palliative Care Australia; Maxine Rosenfield, Counsellor and Educator, NSW
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