One of a series of leaflets published by The Compassionate Friends Finding companions in our grief Coping with stigma in our grief is a challenge. Being in the company of those who value our child is vital in counteracting the negative attitudes of other people. We need to be surrounded with kindness, not criticism. Hopefully at least some of our closest friends and family will offer this safe space. Interacting with other bereaved parents who have had similar experiences can also be tremendously helpful. It is comforting to realise that we are not alone, and others have had to deal with similar situations. The Compassionate Friends (TCF) runs support groups, both online and in person. These are safe, supportive spaces. Some of these events are for specific age groups or circumstances. • Facebook group for Parents Bereaved by Suicide. See tcf.org.uk/facebook-groups • Facebook group for Parents Bereaved by Drug or Alcohol Use. See tcf.org.uk/facebook-groups Visit the TCF website for more details and further support. (See back page) The future The pain of our bereavement is intense. We miss our child and always will. Other people’s critical attitudes may make our lifelong journey through grief more difficult, but we will find our own ways of living with our loss. We will find comfort remembering the special qualities that made our child the unique individual they were. Hopefully other people will join us in celebrating memories of our child, but even if they choose not to, it does not diminish our child or ourselves. The love we have shared will endure forever in our hearts.
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