The hoopla of the Christmas season has arrived in full force now. If you are someone who is eagerly looking forward to the coming month and Christmas itself, you might not relate with the following. But for many people who are grieving – particularly in the early years following their bereavement – Christmas is something…
Recently I wrote about the aloneness of grief, but there is another side to the story which is the topic of this post: finding some relief from the loneliness of grief. There is a certain solidarity amongst those who are bereaved in somewhat similar circumstances – a level of understanding that might not exist in…
A reflection on finding peace in the inner spaces of our mind whilst we grieve. Inner spaces. We each have our own. It is within our inner spaces that we experience the “aloneness of grief” rather than “loneliness”, as you can be alone and lonely, but you can also be alone and glad to be…
If you are alone this Christmas and need someone to speak with, here are a few places that could help. If you are grieving following bereavement… The Cruse National Helpline offers a listening ear and emotional support to anyone who has lost someone they love or been affected by a bereavement. All calls are answered…
The shops are full of it, the TV schedules already have those corny Christmas films, the pubs are offering festive meals, and we are well advanced into the countdown of shopping days. But quietly, on the pages of forums and support groups, and even more in silent, unseen corners, there are any number of people who are…
Loneliness is one of the challenges of bereavement that many people face, particularly if the person they are grieving was their partner or had a significant role in their life. There are various peer-led support groups that can provide relief from the sense of isolation. Talking with other bereaved people is mutually strengthening. Whether it…
What words or actions by others have made your grief easier to bear? What words or actions – or inaction – by others have made things more difficult? – A reflection on finding our keep our equilibrium even in the midst of the storm of silly statements, insensitive questions, and thoughtless behaviour.
