Following last week’s sad announcement, many of us are mourning a monarch who was a central part of life in Britain.
Jenny Hutton, NHS Lanarkshire Mental Health Improvement Manager said: “We may also be feeling sad for her family.
“It can sometimes feel surprising to grieve someone we didn’t know personally. It can even feel like we don’t have the right to be upset. But there are many reasons why we may be affected.”
Jenny has offered the following points, advice and sources of support:
Why You May Be Grieving:
- You may feel like you knew her
- She is someone you truly admired
- It may have reminded you of your own experiences – The death of anyone can bring up memories of your own bereavements.
- The world feels changed – The Queen has been part of our public landscape for so long, not being around can make the world seem a less safe and certain place.
- You can’t escape the news – The responses of others on social media may include a lot of personal information and emotion. This can be difficult to deal with if you’re already feeling vulnerable.
- Or finding it hard for other reasons – Not everyone is affected the same way and some people may find it hard seeing other so deeply affected. This can particularly be the case if you are going through a personal bereavement of your own
Looking After Yourself
- Allow yourself to grieve – give yourself permission to feel sad for what you and the nation have lost
- Talk to someone – There are many people affected. Look for places where people are sharing their feelings or sign one of the books of condolence.
- Find ways to remember her – Take time to write about your own memories of the Queen and what she meant to you.
- Take a break from the news – especially if it is making you feel very sad or anxious
Sources of Support
If you are feeling overwhelmed, help is available. Please reach out. Talking to a trained advisor can help:
- Bereavement Support is available at Cruse: 0808 808 1677
- Breathing Space is a free, confidential, phone service for anyone in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety and offers a safe and supportive space by listening, offering advice and providing information: 0800 83 85 87
- Talk to the Samaritans. Call free on 116 123
- Mental Health & Wellbeing Resources – Lanarkshire | Elament
- https://www.lanarkshiremindmatters.scot.nhs.uk/
- Lanarkshire Bereavement Care Line 01698 751040
- Lanarkshire Staff Care 24 Hour Helpline: 01698 752000
- Your Health Matters website
