Bereavement in lockdown

Thank you for the info. Recently lost my mum and I live a decent distance away from Dad. He is doing really well and does have interests that I hope he can restart after nursing mum and on lifting of restrictions. However it’s good to know should we as a family need some help it’s there for us.

I was referred to CRUSE by my GP when my OH died last year. A delightful and thoughtful man became a phone counsellor to me. He could not have been more kind and understanding. I hugely valued his calls, and cannot recommend this organisation too highly.

Thankyou. I was also given their number along with other counselling services after DH died.. after nearly 4 months I am only now getting hit emotionally with the reality of my loss. A tearful phonecall from a cousin of his. An email reminding me what a great loss to the wider community for example.
I may gice Cruse a call.
Covid restrictions really get to me too. No proper funeral and unable to see the family or anyone in the way we would like.

I too lost my DH 4 months ago, I am finding it harder just now. I have wept every night but now find myself crying any time of day. I am on Cruse waiting list for a counsellor. He died of Lewy Body Dementia and Aspiration Pneumonia. I expected him to come home but he went downhill so quickly.

flowerofthewestx2 I will PM you if that's OK?

I’ve been trying to get through to Cruse but their lines are always busy.

I recently lost someone very dear to me, and consulted my doctor about the anxiety I experienced, coping with grief and lockdown. He suggested I ring Cruse, which I found very helpful. I had two long phone chats with kind, wise women who understood how I was feeling. They helped me create little actions and rituals to mark the loss of this special person, as there has been no funeral, no closure for me. They also helped me get some structure and purpose back into my daily routine. I am very grateful to Cruse.

Did anyone else hear this radio programme on Sunday?
I heard it on repeat yesterday evening and it explained a few things for me. I found it helpful.
What We've Learnt About Grief
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000tlw4

I lost my partner back in October 2020 and have just finished phone bereavement counselling with Cruse, the lady was very helpful and I felt that it had been my fault my partner passed away after two massive strokes. I now realise that everything that possibly could have been done to save him happened. It helped me a lot to come to terms with my grief and take steps forward.

vincennes
What a good thing the Cruse counselling worked well for you. I will give them a call myself as I have wobbly times.
In my case I have lost confidence in myself and think everyone is just being kind but can't possibly want to see me. DH was a popular man who had many friends, most of whom I hardly knew, even his family seem more distant now but of course they are grieving too.
I am now trying to rebuild my life (in the slow lane) and discovering what it was that makes me happy or happier. I think that must be what people mean when they say "Look after yourself"
I boxed up some of his shoes yesterday. That's a small achievement.

Thank you for posting. There are other helplines too NannyDee if you feel you need to talk to someone urgently x

www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/urgent-support/

My experience with CRUSE was entirely positive. I contacted them myself, I wasn't referred.
The waiting time was long but very well worth it for me.