Hi, I recently lost my mum to cancer and although we knew it was coming, she died quite quickly and suddenly. We thought we had more time
How long did people take off work following the death of a parent?
I’m into my second week but I don’t feel anywhere near ready and can’t see how I will any time soon.
I think I feel guilty as I also had a week off before she passed away to be with her at hospital so I’ve been off 3 weeks so far.
Her funeral isn’t until until 26th Sept and at the minute I can’t see how I’m going to ready to go back until after this.
@Arrie87 - so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. My mum passed away in December 2024. I had 10 weeks away from work - 3 weeks looking after my mum and visiting her in hospital and 7 weeks after my mother passed away. I was not really ready to go back when I did but I was able to go back on a phased return for a month so this helped. I still have days when I don’t feel like being at work. If you are able to I would take as long as you need off work. Take care. X
You will find a new ‘normal’ one where you will be stronger because you’re coping and trying to live without your Mum. Its a traumatic experience.
I had 4 weeks off after my Mum passed in July 24. I went back for 3 months and found the lead up to Christmas unbearable, so I took another 6 weeks.
Im just over a year since my Mums passing, and I miss her every day. I cry every day, and I talk to her every day. It isn’t easier, but life is moving on without her, as incredibly heartbreaking as it is … life is.
Please don’t feel you should compare your time for grieving with others , I’ve been of about 4 months, 3 of those months my mum was poorly in hospital and I visited her every day and didn’t contemplate going back.
But I lost mum a month ago and I cannot cope with the Idea of going back to work.
Please look after yourself and do what is right for you x🫂
Hi i lost husband to cancer 3 months ago im back to work monday i had a month before he passed and had 3.months off . I dont feel ready to go back not yet as im Still in tears most of the time x But when i go back im due a meeting to dicuss why ive been off .
When my mum passed 5 years ago i had to go to the doctor and had 1 month off. Hugs to you this sucks doesnt it
I lost my mum at the end of July, the funeral was 19th August and I returned the following week. I had about 4 weeks in total although some of these days were holidays.
I’m not sure if I returned at the correct time to be honest, I have had multiple times where I’ve cried in work since returning, and I had to go home early on her birthday as I broke down. Despite this, I find that the routine and work gives me more purpose, and stops me from overthinking and wallowing in my grief.
We are all different, the above is just my personal experience - I hope that your workplace are understanding and give you the time that you need. Sending hugs.
Sorry for your loss ..I lost my mum too I had three weeks before she past and another 5 weeks after …. There isn’t a definite time cos of I am honest in not ready but I went to work and it’s been so difficult despite me been there getting on I am exhausted and very upset when I get home and the grief comes back so in my opinion I hope you took enough time off as you need . I’m very sad still and miss my mum so much
Trying to be brave and try to face the world is hard. Xxx
