A post about judgemental attitudes towards our loved one, particularly when their life choices did not match expectations or wishes. Criticism could come from outside – from other people – or from within ourselves. Managing our grief in this situation can be complex. I recently participated in a very useful conference organised by Bereaved Parents…
Christians Bereaved by Suicide – a Living with Loss Retreat – 18-20 January 2019 At the Greenhouse Christian Centre, Poole, Dorset. Life can be a struggle following the loss of a loved one or friend, and it is widely acknowledged that death by suicide can be one of the most difficult bereavements to cope with. This…
(A personal commentary about the challenges of being a bereaved parent, mother, father) Another day, another loch. We are almost at the end of our two week summer break in Scotland. It has been a lazy “be kind to yourself” time, with the simplest of meals and the simplest of pleasures – amazing scenery, long…
This post is a follow on to the previous article on depression, treatment, and the depressed Christian. Celebrity deaths by suicide often precipitate another round of public discussion about depression, mental illness, and the importance of talking about our problems and not just keeping everything inside. There are other topics that come out too, such…
This blog is primarily about coping with grief, and just because someone is grieving, does not mean that they are depressed. However, recently I’ve met more than a few people whose grief intersects with depression, and I think it’s worthwhile writing about depression in general, and dealing with it as Christians. Mental health problems…
Longterm visitors to this blog will know that I love to walk. Walking in countryside or along the coast brings is just about my favourite activity. I tend to set myself goals for walking that push me a bit harder than I am able… so much so that finding my way and/or putting one step…
Recently I wrote about the aloneness of grief, but there is another side to the story which is the topic of this post: the solidarity of grief. It is remarkable how much more aware we become of other people’s death and loss after our own loss. Catherine, my daughter, took her own life. Ever since,…
