I can’t stop thinking about the death of a loved one. What can I do to help me deal with my grief?
I’ve had a miscarriage and don’t know how to deal with it. Is there someone out there who can help me?
How can I help my child deal with grief?
How much bereavement leave am I legally allowed?
I can’t stop thinking about the death of a loved one. What can I do to help me deal with my grief?
If a loved one has died, you can find ways to live with grief. The things that may help you deal with grief will be individual to you and might include talking to friends and family or a counsellor, writing down your feelings, taking up a hobby, craft, or sport, or just taking some time for yourself.
People work through their grief in different ways and having someone you trust and respect to talk to about it can be very important. If you find it hard to share your feelings with friends and family or you are really struggling to cope with day-to-day life, you may consider seeing a grief counsellor. Each grief counsellor has different methods, so it is important to choose someone you can relate to.
There are many different sorts of grief counselling services available. Your local Citizens Advice Bureau can direct you to the appropriate grief counselling service for your situation.
I’ve had a miscarriage and don’t know how to deal with it. Is there someone out there that can help me?
Losing a baby in this way can be one of the hardest things to face. Miscarriage Support Auckland inc. is the main support organisation, and offers support for all New Zealanders, not just people in Auckland. Grief counselling services are also available, and your doctor or Citizens Advice Bureau can recommend one in your area.
How can I help my child deal with grief?
If your child is grieving, you may not immediately notice. It may become evident over time that they’re not coping well, and they can sometimes behave in unpredictable ways. The best thing you can do is talk to them about what has happened and treat their feelings with respect. They may be angry that someone isn’t there any more, or unsure whether or not it is okay to be sad and cry about the death of a loved one. They need an outlet for their emotions too.
Sometimes a child may need more help with their grief than what their family members and friends are able to provide them. In these cases, counselling may be beneficial. You could try discussing this with your child first, and see if they think this is a good option for them.
Some organisations who offer child counselling are:
Skylight. This is a service that helps young people deal with loss, change, and grief. Their number is 0800 299 100
Youthline is a telephone support service for anyone to use 24/7. Their number is 0800 37 66 33
Kidsline is a help-line for children and teens that is also available 24/7. Their number is 0800 KIDSLINE (543 754)
How much bereavement leave am I legally allowed?
This depends on your workplace and your relationship to the person. For more information on bereavement leave, read our Employment section.