This month we focus on loss and grief, and highlight the Griefline Helpline and the associated services offered.
Grief is a natural response to loss and is the emotional suffering one feels when something or someone you love is taken away.
The reaction to hearing about the death of a loved one can vary greatly from person to person.
Feeling shocked and overwhelmed with grief and sadness is a natural human response to loss; and there is no one way to process loss and deal with grief.
People generally associate grieving with the death of a loved one, which is often the cause of the most intense grief, but any loss can cause grief including things like separation and divorce, retirement, financial loss or job loss - just to mention a few.
Some people navigate their way through grief and loss without needing professional support, whilst others might benefit from learning more about what is happening for them and might need some help along the way.
This could be seeking counselling, seeking additional resources of just speaking to a helpline when they need it.
Many people don’t know how to respond to grief, whether it is their own or others.
GRIEFLINE (1300 845 745) offers a multitude of specific resources about tips and tools to manage your grief as well as free phone support, seven days per week, from 8am-8pm.
If you are a resident of NSW and 18 years or older, you can access free counselling sessions through the Integrating Grief program.
No medical referral is necessary, and sessions are scheduled with a qualified counsellor who has undertaken specialised training in grief and bereavement.
The service is available via telephone or online video conferencing between 9am and 5pm weekdays.
I you need assistance, please contact the program intake counsellor on (02) 8043 4965 or email intake@griefline.org.au.
Deni MHAG has put together some resources which can be found on https://www.denimentalhealth.org.au/post/support-in-grief-and-loss.
These are some resources available that can be helpful in many ways. These include information on:
• Supporting loved ones.
• Understanding our own reactions
• Doing things that might be helpful.
• Seeking and finding support if needed
Also look at the Deni MHAG website directory for a full list of counselling and support services available locally and online.
• Anyone requiring crisis support can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Resources are also available on the Deni MHAG website.
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