Finding it hard to carry on

Coping with bereavement
1

I lost my mum last year to cancer, she didn’t want treatment and wanted to stay at home, it was such a hard thing to come to terms with but I tried my best to look after her. The only thing that kept me going afterwards was my little dog who also needed looking after being almost 16, but now I have lost him a few days ago and buried him today, I am struggling to find a reason to keep going and finding it hard to cope

2

I am so very sorry for your losses. My dogs have really been a lifeline, along with my sister. I am so sorry for your pain. Please try to find something good to hang on to, someone who needs you, perhaps a shelter that needs dog walkers, or money raised, and if you cant se a way out, do please ask for help - ideally professional or the Samaritans. My heart really goes out to you. I’m thinking of you,

3

Thank you Alice
The pain actually physically hurts sometimes, I’m losing the people I love and I feel lost and lonely. I can’t replace who I have lost but I will try to find something good that I can do that can help others in some way. Thank you again, I wasn’t even expecting a response but you have been so kind

4

Hello Kelly6

I’m so sorry to hear about your mum, and about your little dog. It sounds as though things are very tough and you are feeling really low right now.

It sounds like you’re looking for support and I’m glad that you’ve been able to share how you’re feeling with us. It is very normal for people who are grieving to feel a bit lost and not know where to start.

We know that a lot of people experience suicidal thoughts when they are grieving, and it is often about wanting the person who has died back or life to go back to how we know it. We have a video about it here which you might find helpful:

https://griefguide.sueryder.org/support/suicide

There is lots of other support out there, and I would really encourage you to reach out and speak to someone about how you are feeling.

  • If these thoughts of suicide become overwhelming, please call 999 or contact your GP for an emergency appointment immediately.

  • You can call 111 and choose the mental health option to speak to a trained mental health professional (England, Scotland and Wales only)

  • Samaritans are available 24/7 to talk about anything that you are worried about in confidence. You can call them on 116 123.

  • Shout are contactable by text, 24/7. You can text SHOUT to 85258 and talk to them about anything.

  • You can find your local NHS urgent mental health helpline here.

You can also make an appointment with your GP and ask to be referred to counselling or other support services in your area.

You deserve care and support so please, get in touch with one of these services.

Take good care, Naoise