Murray Allen John (Patrick) McLennan.
In Loving Memory of My Murray. Sadly, shortly after 9:30pm on the 13th night of December 2024, My...
Grieving the loss of a loved one can be a difficult and emotionally challenging experience. It is natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to express your grief to others. Therefore, it's important to take the time to process your own emotions and seek support from friends and family when you feel ready.
It's normal not to feel okay. Your friends will understand what you are going through and want to be there for you. Consider sharing your feelings, and reaching out for their help and support. Here are some tips on how to express your grief to your friends.
Be open and honest
When expressing grief to friends, it's important to be open and honest about your feelings. To help them understand what you're going through and how they can best support you, try sharing your thoughts, emotions and experiences with them.
Take it slow
Grief can be overwhelming and it's important to take things slow. Start by sharing feelings with a close friend and family before reaching out to a larger group. This will help to feel more comfortable and in control of the situation.
Listen to your friends
Friends may not always know the right words to say or how to support a person grieving. However, it's important to try and listen to what they have to say and understand that their intentions are good. They may offer advice or simply just listen, know their support is coming from a good place.
Seek comfort in rituals
Honouring the memory of a loved one through rituals can be a helpful way to express grief to friends. Consider organising a memorial service, creating a memorial website or making a donation in their memory. Sharing these experiences with friends can help a person feel less alone and bring people closer together.
Don't be afraid to ask for help
Grief can be a heavy burden and it's okay to ask for help. Reach out to friends and family for support and let them know how they can help you through this difficult time. They may offer to cook you a meal, run errands or simply listen to you.
Find a support group
Joining a support group can provide you with a community of people who understand what you're going through. Sharing your feelings and experiences with others who have experienced similar loss can be a valuable source of comfort and support.
Seek Professional Help
When feeling overwhelmed and unable to process emotions, consider seeking the help of a professional counsellor or therapist. They can provide the tools and support needed to move forward.
Write a letter
Writing a letter can be a therapeutic way to express emotions and share thoughts with friends and family. Sometimes when we lose someone suddenly we can feel robbed of unfinished conversations, so writing a letter can help process complex feelings and feel a connection with them one last time.
Give yourself time to heal
Grief is a process and it's important to give yourself time to heal. Don't be too hard on yourself and don't expect to feel better overnight. Take things one day at a time and be patient with yourself as you navigate this difficult journey.
Grieving is a natural and normal response to loss, but it can be a challenging and lonely experience. Sharing your feelings and emotions with friends and loved ones can help you feel less alone and give you a sense of comfort and purpose.
By being open, honest and giving yourself time to heal, you can find solace in the love and support of those around you.
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To find support:
Beyond Blue provides Australians with information and support to improve their mental health. Call 1300 22 46 36 or visit beyondblue.org.au for more information.
Lifeline Australia provides Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support. Call 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au for more information.
GriefLine listens, cares and supports people experiencing loss and grief, at any stage in life. Call 1300 845 6am to midnight AEST, 7 days a week.
MensLine Australia is a professional telephone and online support and information service for Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours / 7 days a week.
Kids Helpline is a free 24/7, confidential and private counselling service Australia wide specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years. Call 1800 55 1800.
Life Supports Counselling provides Australians with experienced counsellors & psychologists in their local area Australia-wide. Call 1300 735... .
