Looking After Yourself

You may need to get support yourself before you can help your children. There are many ways to express your grief. The most important thing is to find what works best for you.

Some ideas:

  • Finding a friend, relative, counsellor or support group with whom you can talk freely.
  • Looking after your basic physical needs, such as eating well and getting some exercise.
  • Journal writing as a way of recording your thoughts and feelings. Sometimes just ‘getting it out’ in this way is helpful.
  • Having a massage from a professional, a friend or from your partner. This may relieve some stress and help you feel cared for and relaxed.
  • Finding release in creative activities, such as drawing, painting, sculpting, writing or playing music.

This article was prepared using extracts from What about the Other Kids?1 The full text is available online or contact Red Nose Grief and Loss Services on 1300 308 307 for a printed version.


Last reviewed: 29/3/24