Loss of a Loved One

[onlinecommunity]

Welcome to a place to discuss the loss of a partner, family member, close friend or anyone significant in your life.

Everyone grieves differently. Your grief is as unique as your own fingerprint. However, while often immensely painful, grief is our natural healing process in response to loss.

Grief comes and goes, it can be intense and then manageable, predictable and then uncontrollable. It might be brought on by a recent loss or a historical one, be triggered by an anniversary or the dread of an approaching milestone.

This forum is a safe and emotionally supportive space. It is a place to be accepted and understood by others who can empathise with you. You can feel free to remember your loved one and tell us about your grief journey. Together we can learn to understand the changing nature of grief over time while sharing coping tools and ways to practice self-care.

Topic

[VM-laura070]

Hi @clthorn6, I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband of 23 years. That is a huge loss and it is so courageous of you to connect on the forum and be seeking more support in your daily life. It’s so important that we don’t go through these times alone because navigating so much change while feeling such intense emotions can be really overwhelming. There’s a lot to deal with and process in the aftermath of losing someone so important, in addition to grieving and trying to adjust to a new reality. I can really feel how much your husband meant to you, how much love you shared and how you relied on each other. Keep reaching out for the support you need and finding others who understand you and your grief. There are a lot of resources on the Griefline website that may help during this time, and it might help to call the Helpline on 1300 845 745 if you feel like talking to someone. There is also this website for Western Australia that may be able to connect you with a support group or services in Perth: https://www.griefcentrewa.org.au/grief-support-groups
Remember that you are doing your best and to be patient with yourself as you move forward through this very difficult time – your world has been turned upside down and it will take some time to feel okay again, but you are not alone.

[VM-The Old Oak Tree]

Hi clthorn6,

I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. It sounds like you meant the world to each other, and shared so many experiences together. I can’t imagine how painful this must be, especially as you are mostly navigating all of this by yourself.

It’s natural to have a hard time coping with such a meaningful loss, especially if it feels like no one is able to understand what it is like for you. I think you’re doing a great job to persevere and be there for yourself, and draw upon your inner strengths.

You might find some of the resources on Griefline’s website helpful. Here is the link for an article called ‘Grief Recovery Part 1: In Search of Lost Strengths’, https://griefline.org.au/resources/grief-recovery-part-one/. You also may wish to register for our online bereavement support groups. Here is the link, https://griefline.org.au/get-help/bereavement-support-groups/. I’m not actually able to recommend a support group in Perth, because we don’t have a referral option for that.

Please feel free to continue to engage through this online forum, and remember to look after yourself. We are here listening to you.

[clthorn6]

I lost my husband a year ago February 17th. I have had no support off anyone and left to deal with everything on my own. We were together 23 years. He was my everything, my best friend, my soul mate, my life, my family, my one and only. Can anyone recommend any widowed groups in Perth? I’m having a really hard time coping with everything. No one I know seems to understand as they haven’t been through it themselves.

[vmrose33]

Hello Jessg

I am sorry to see that your comment here didn’t get a reply. You might like to try starting a new post. Did you try the helpline again? Do try again – 1300 845 745 between the hours of 8am and 8pm, 7 days a week (AEST/AEDT), or another option is to request a callback at a time that suits you. https://calendly.com/griefline_request_a_callback/30min?month=2025-02

Kind regards & take care,

Vmrose33

[jessg]

Hello is there anyone out there

[jessg]

I tried ringing this help line and no answer. Then I tried this online and it seems like no one has posted in many weeks?

[VM_soulcat8]

Hi @sammie2410,

I am reaching out to see how you are going. Your world was turned upside down and you were brave enough to reach out for help professionally and here online. Since the journey through grief and loss doesn’t happen in a day I wanted to check in and see how you are travelling. The people in this forum will always be here for support and encouragement.

[VM-Serenity66]

Hi @nurseellie,

It sounds like a lot to cope with, losing your father and stepfather in not much more than a year. At the same time, it sounds like you know yourself really well and are taking your healing at a pace that is right for you. There is no timeline, so that can happen at your speed. The circumstances you described are really challenging and I can imagine why your grief might be complicated by anger and a sense of injustice.

If you feel that there are not a lot of people around you that you can talk this through with, please feel free to ring our helpline on 1300 845 745 (8am – 8pm) for a conversation with a compassionate volunteer.

There are also some resources that you might find helpful at https://griefline.org.au/resources

[nurseellie]

Hi there,

I lost my father in June 2023, then my Stepfather in August 2024. I haven’t had much time off at all. What really gets me is the triggers. They are slow to recover from. Sleep and the accompanying peace is the ultimate cure. I just want to be alone and not being pushed to get out of my comfort zone, which has happpened and I find triggering. I do get out and try to connect with people because that is meant to be healing. I just think because grief weaves its own path I’m unrealiable to commit to anything major like dating or sport in case a wave of grief takes over or I am triggered.

I know I am not dealing with it because my sleep it rather affected by the grief when I wake up or cannot unwind before bed. I am throwing all the resources I can at it and they work.

I don’t have a group of friends to rely on so I cope by myself most of the time and I am very sensitive person. The bereavement process does make me grow up though so it is a mixed blessing. I don’t try the lay it on thick.

I have visions of my Stepfather and being at home at Xmas has been occasionally distressing. The whole episode surrounding his death was an act of incompetence by the Ambos and we I forgive them but still want some sort of restorative justice for John. He wasn’t ready to go. I reported the Ambos anyway.

Anyway, my poor fathers died in a lot of pain so where is the justice in that? Knowing full well that justice-seeking won’t eck out what I want necessarily.

Thank you kindly for listening to me. Nursesellie

[VMPatch]

Hello@sammie2410
I am so sorry to hear about the sudden loss of your partner and the immense pain you are feeling. It is normal to feel a profound sense of loss when someone you love dies. You have taken a wise step in reaching out for some support by posting in this forum and also by seeking professional help.
If you are having thoughts of suicide I strongly encourage you to call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call back service Ph 1300 659 467 ( you must have your caller ID on your phone turned on if you ring this service).
Griefline is also here if you want to talk with one of our trained volunteers on our Helpline Ph 1300 845 745 ( 8am to 8pm AEDT). We are here to support you as you go through this painful time. Our website also has some good information to read about coping with grief – look under the resources tab

Home

We hope you will continue to seek the support you need .

[Author]

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