Coping with special occasions

UK Helpline: 0 345 123 23 0 4 | www.tcf.org.uk If we’re having a particularly bad moment, reaching out to someone else can be the best strategy. There are many helplines available, including: • The Compassionate Friends - 0345 123 2304 calls are always answered by a bereaved parent • Samaritans - 116 123 call free any time of the day or night • Cruse Bereavement Support - 0808 808 1677 For more ideas on coping with overwhelming grief see our leaflet Coping with overwhelming grief - tcf.org.uk/overwhelminggrief Allowing ourselves moments of joy There is much about special occasions that may be painful and difficult to cope with. On the other hand, we may find ourselves enjoying these celebrations even if only for a few short moments. Feeling some happiness while we are still experiencing such intense sadness can seem like a conflict, but it is perfectly possible to hold grief and joy together. Our life will never be complete without our child, yet it is still a life to be lived. Laughing or finding ourselves enjoying something does not diminish our love for our child or mean that they are forgotten. We should not feel guilt for any moments of joy we experience. We can honour and remember our child in moments of both happiness and sadness. “I know that my son would be so happy to see me laugh whilst talking about the silly things he used to do.” Jacqui