If you feel ‘stuck’ or desperate

Most people have times after a major loss when they feel they just can’t go on any longer. The pain of grief is too hard or just doesn’t seem to be getting any better. Be kind to yourself – it is normal that some days are much harder than others. After a few weeks, you will usually start to notice a pattern of good days and bad days, with the good days gradually increasing.

Sometimes a person may begin to feel “stuck” in their grief and become very depressed or anxious. Or worse, they may begin to feel suicidal, as though not going on is a real option. If this is the case for you or someone you care about, it is important to seek help.

You may need to seek professional help if you:

• find it difficult to function on a daily basis
• begin to rely on alcohol or other drugs
• stop eating regularly
• are sleeping too much or having a lot of trouble sleeping
• are worried you might hurt someone because your feelings of anger or aggression do not settle
• are thinking about self-harm or taking your own life.

There is no need to face this experience alone. See options for professional support, talk to your GP, or call Cancer Council 13 11 20.