What if you feel ‘stuck’ or desperate? Find ways to cope with grief and understand when to seek professional help.
Coping with overwhelming grief
You may have times when you feel like you just can’t go on any longer. The pain of grief is too hard or just doesn’t seem to be getting any better. Be kind to yourself – it is normal that some days are much harder than others.
With time, you may start to notice a pattern of good days and bad days, with the good days gradually increasing.
Sometimes a person may feel “stuck” in their grief and feel very depressed or anxious. Or worse, they may begin to think about suicide, as though not going on is a real option. If this is the case for you or someone you care about, it is important to get help.
When should you seek professional help?
Seek professional help if you:
- find it difficult to get through daily tasks
- begin to depend on alcohol or other drugs
- stop eating regularly
- are sleeping too much or having a lot of trouble sleeping
- are worried you might hurt someone because your feelings of anger or aggression do not settle
- are thinking about self-harm or ending your own life.
Getting support may help you feel less alone. You can also talk to your GP or call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
If you are thinking about suicide, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 immediately. Both these services are available 24 hours a day.
→ READ MORE: How can I remember someone?
Podcast: Coping with Grief
Listen to more episodes from our podcast for people affected by cancer
More resources
A/Prof Lisa Beatty, Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology and Consulting Clinical Psychologist, Flinders University Institute of Mental Health and Wellbeing, SA; Sandra Anderson, Consumer; Dr Alexandra Clinch, Palliative Medicine Specialist and Deputy Director, Palliative Care, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, VIC; Christopher Hall, Chief Executive Officer, Grief Australia; Nathan MacArthur, Specialist Grief Counsellor and Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Sydney Grief Counselling Services, NSW; Linda Magann, Clinical Nurse Consultant – Palliative Care, St George Hospital, NSW; Palliative Care Australia; Richard Upton, Consumer; Lesley Woods, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA.
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