Seeking support

Although grief is an intensely personal experience, most people find they do need some support from other people. This may be from your family, friends or others in your social circle, particularly those who supported you while the person was dying. Sometimes it helps to talk to people who aren’t directly involved in your life.

Peer support services

Sometimes you may feel that your family and friends don’t really understand your grief or aren’t interested in hearing about it anymore, or you might feel that you can’t be entirely honest about your feelings with them. Meeting other people who have had experiences similar to yours can be worthwhile. You may feel supported and relieved to know that others understand what you are going through and that you are not alone, even if you don’t feel like opening up right away, feel shy, or worry that you don’t have anything worthwhile to say. Over time, most people get used to peer support and find it helpful.

There are many ways for you and your family to connect with others for mutual support and to share information. These include:

• face-to-face support groups, which often meet in community centres or hospitals
• online discussion forums, such as Cancer Council’s Online Community, where people can connect with each other at any time
• telephone support groups for bereavement, facilitated by trained health professionals.

In these support settings, people often feel they can speak openly and share tips. You may find that you are comfortable talking about your experiences, your relationships with friends and family, and your hopes and fears for the future. Ask your nurse or social worker or call Cancer Council 13 11 20 to find out about suitable support groups and peer support programs in your area.

Getting professional help

Many people cope with grief with the support of family and friends and sometimes a support group. You may want to seek professional help if you are finding your pain unbearable, if you are struggling to function after a time, or if you feel stuck and unable to move forward.

Bereavement counselling can help you learn to understand your reactions to the natural course of grief. You can also explore a range of strategies for adjusting to the changes in your life. The counselling is usually provided by a professional counsellor, therapist or psychologist with experience in supporting people who are grieving. Counselling may not be appropriate immediately or very soon after the death, so if you feel unable to function at that time, talk to your doctor first.

Finding help

Call Cancer Council 13 11 20 or ask your palliative care team for help accessing bereavement counselling.

For confidential phone counselling, visit or call the following organisations, GriefLine on 1300 845 745, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78.

Children and young adults can visit the Kids Helpline or call them on 1800 55 1800.

If you need crisis support or are feeling suicidal, contact Lifeline 13 11 14.