People often expect to be back to normal after just a few weeks or months, and others might expect this of you too. Try to be patient with yourself.
Many people are hard on themselves, thinking things like: “I should be over this by now.” Grief is very individual – there is no set time frame. Giving yourself time to grieve is the best way to heal.
Learn more about:
- After the funeral
- Triggers for your grief
- The ‘up and down’ nature of grief
- Will it always be this hard?
- If you feel ‘stuck’ or desperate
Kate Jurgens, Bereavement Coordinator, Southern Adelaide Palliative Services, SA; Gabrielle Asprey, Cancer Support Consultant, Cancer Council NSW; A/Prof Lauren Breen, Psychologist, Curtin University, WA; Rev David Dawes, Manager, Spiritual Care Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Rob Ferguson, Consumer; Karen Hall, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Joanna Mangan, Psychologist, Cancer Council Queensland; Kate Reed, Nurse Practitioner National Clinical Advisor, Palliative Care Australia; Maxine Rosenfield, Counsellor and Educator, NSW.
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This information may help you better cope with end of life, or support someone who may be dying with cancer