August 30th marks US National Grief Awareness Day, helping to raise awareness, provide support and provide education on the diverse and challenging nature of grief.
At PlotBox, our mission is to help take away some of the pain in dealing with death for families and those that serve them.
And so, by sharing our own stories and reflections, we not only support each other, but also deepen our connection to the very purpose that drives us.
Here, two of our team reflect on their own experiences and moments of support and kindness that have shaped their own grief journeys.
Please note, below may include details or topics that may be triggering for some. You can find a number of resources signposted at the end.
Christine Brown, Senior QA Engineer
Unfortunately my husband, multiple friends and I, have lost a parent due to unexpected illnesses. Whether it is over a long period or a sudden event, it hasn't taken away the grief that we have had to go through together.
With death in any family the thing we have all found was people we met always asked how are you doing? We’d give a standard response of, “Yes, fine, just taking it day by day.”, not really answering it.
For both my husband and I, we found our friends really helped us with taking us out for walks, Chinese evenings, coffee dates, and calling over just for general chats.
Offering support in these small ways allowed us to truly talk about how we felt on our terms, when we wanted, without asking the general questions.
No matter the circumstance in which you are grieving, do take time for yourself but do socialise with friends and families, sharing memories and how you are.
Everyone's grief journey is different but those around you can help, in many different ways.
Lauren Gilman, Technical Writer
December 2022 was one of the toughest months of my life.
My dad had been fighting a brain tumour for six months but sadly with no more treatment options available, it was a case of spending as much time with him in hospital as possible.
My mum started to become unwell while visiting my dad in hospital. She was rushed into A and E and we found out that she had suspected sepsis.
She was rushed into intensive care.
For a week, I was alternating between my mum and dad’s bedsides.
On December 6th, my dad passed away. Then just 36 hours later, I lost my mum too.
With my dad’s illness, I had had time to prepare mentally for what was going to happen. We got to share happy memories and stories of the good times. With my mum’s passing, there was no preparation. She was fine and then she was gone.
For a good three months I went numb. I stopped feeling anything. I had a 3 year old daughter at the time and I felt like I was watching my life from outside.
I knew I needed help to process everything. So I reached out to a grief counsellor. This was the best thing I could have done for myself and my daughter. She helped me work out my grief, process the loss of both parents and slowly, I started to reconnect with myself and my emotions.
I would recommend that anyone struggling with grief, reach out for professional help.
It is not something to be ashamed of and is actually one of the most important decisions you can make for yourself. Almost 3 years on and having lost both my parents when they were relatively young, I have learnt to truly live in the moment.
I embrace new experiences, concentrate on giving my daughter the best life possible and make sure that I spend my time doing something meaningful, which is why I wanted to join PlotBox.
Life really is short, but I now try to make the most of every single day I have.
Signposting services:
Betterhelp is is the world’s largest therapy service and on this page you select the country you are based in:
https://www.betterhelp.com/gethelpnow/
Further resources:
UK:
Cruse Bereavement Support – www.cruse.org.uk
(Free support, helpline, and local services for anyone experiencing grief)
Marie Curie Bereavement Support – www.mariecurie.org.uk
(Practical and emotional support, especially around terminal illness and loss)
Samaritans – www.samaritans.org / Call 116 123 (free, 24/7 helpline)
(For anyone struggling, whether in grief or experiencing emotional distress)
US:
National Alliance for Grieving Children – childrengrieve.org
(Resources and programs to support grieving children, teens, and their families)
The Dougy Center – www.dougy.org
(Pioneering grief support resources, groups, and education)
SAMHSA Helpline – 988lifeline.org / Call or text 988
(Free, confidential crisis support in the US, 24/7)
APAC:
Australia – Griefline – griefline.org.au / Call 1300 845 745
(Free phone and online grief support services)
Australia – Lifeline – www.lifeline.org.au / Call 13 11 14
(24/7 crisis and suicide prevention support)
New Zealand – Skylight Trust – skylight.org.nz
(Support services and resources for grief, loss, and trauma)
Singapore – Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) – sos.org.sg / Call 1800-221-4444
(24/7 confidential emotional support)