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birdie01New Contributor
I lost my dad two weeks very suddenly. I am really struggling to get my head around it.
My work has been amazing and told me to come back when I am ready. I am feeling really anxious with returning to work.
My dad wasn't meant to pass away
In response to: Struggling with a parents death
RadderSenior Contributor
Hi @birdie01 , I am so sorry for your loss. It's wise of you to reach out for support.
Losing your dad is a huge life event for anyone, and initially grief often presents as a sense of unreality. It takes time to process the loss and your new reality. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and no right or wrong timing - it's different for everyone.
This may be useful to pass on to work, since often people don't know what to do: https://griefline.org.au/resources/how-to-support-a-grieving-colleague/
A bit of "normal" like work is a healthy part of the grieving process. It doesn't mean you are "moving on", it just gives your mind a bit of relief from the grieving. Your mind will cycle between those two modes, but gradually over time it will spend more time in your new normal as you adapt to life without your dad physically present - but you'll also build a continuing bond in your head/heart as you reflect on what he taught you and take on aspects of his life in your own.
In response to: Struggling with a parents death
B-3New Contributor
Hey,
My dad passed away too super suddenly, we had pretty much no warning, he was here and then he wasn't anymore. It is now two and a half months since he passed away. I had and still have so much anxiety, panic attacks, nausea, brain fog and am still processing it.
I am studying and couldnt imagine trying to work through everything. Even with studying I can only manage half days and about 2 or 3 days a week. If your work is supportive, they might be open to reducing your hours/days/tasks. I think if there is a safe and quiet space you can go to while youre at work that might be helpful too if you need some time out.
I dont think parents should pass. Its so unbelievably hard and traumatising.
In response to: Struggling with a parents death
Ru-beeModerator
Hey @B-3 I just wanted to welcome you to the forums
I'm really sorry to hear about your recent loss. It's completely understandable that you'd still be processing this and needing to take things slow with your studies.
Glad you've found this space and hope that it can be helpful and supportive in this hard time
In response to: Struggling with a parents death
Ru-beeModerator
Hi @birdie01
I'm so sorry that you lost your dad, and so recently too. These emotions must still be very fresh and painful and its understandable that you'd be struggling to wrap your head around such a loss.
It's great that your work is being accommodating. What are you feeling most anxious about when you think about returning to work?
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
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