Grief Support Resources in New Zealand

Grief Support: You Don't Have to Face Loss Alone

Understanding Grief

Grief is a natural response to loss, but everyone experiences it differently. There's no "right" way to grieve or timeline for healing.

Common Grief Reactions:

• Emotional: sadness, anger, guilt, anxiety, numbness
• Physical: fatigue, sleep problems, appetite changes
• Cognitive: confusion, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness
• Behavioral: withdrawal, restlessness, crying

Professional Grief Support Services

Grief Counselors and Therapists:

• Individual grief counseling
• Family therapy for shared loss
• Specialized trauma therapy
• Online counseling options

Support Groups:

• General bereavement groups
• Specific loss support (suicide, accident, illness)
• Children and teen grief groups
• Online support communities

National Grief Support Organizations

Skylight Trust:

• Free counseling and support services
• Resources for children and families
• Educational workshops
• Website: skylight.org.nz

Grief Centre:

• Professional grief counseling
• Support groups and workshops
• Training for professionals
• Multiple locations nationwide

Survivors of Suicide New Zealand:

• Specialized support for suicide loss
• Support groups and counseling
• Resources and information
• Website: survivesuicide.org.nz

Religious and Spiritual Support

• Church pastoral care
• Chaplaincy services
• Spiritual directors
• Faith-based support groups

Support for Specific Types of Loss

Child Loss:

• Sands New Zealand (pregnancy and infant loss)
• Child Cancer Foundation
• Cure Kids support services

Sudden or Traumatic Loss:

• Victim Support
• ACC counseling services
• Trauma counselors

Self-Care During Grief

Physical Self-Care:

• Maintain basic nutrition
• Get adequate rest
• Light exercise or walking
• Limit alcohol and drugs

Emotional Self-Care:

• Allow yourself to feel and express emotions
• Create meaningful rituals or memorials
• Journal your thoughts and feelings
• Connect with supportive friends and family

Helping Others Who Are Grieving

What to Do:

• Offer specific help ("Can I bring dinner Tuesday?")
• Listen without trying to "fix" their pain
• Remember important dates (anniversaries, birthdays)
• Share positive memories of their loved one

What to Avoid:

• "I know how you feel"
• "They're in a better place"
• "You need to move on"
• Avoiding them because you don't know what to say

When to Seek Professional Help

Consider professional support if you experience:

• Prolonged inability to function in daily life
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
• Substance abuse as a coping mechanism
• Complicated or prolonged grief reactions
• Anniversary reactions that interfere with life

Free and Low-Cost Resources

• 1737 - Need to Talk? (free text or call)
• Public library grief resources
• Community mental health services
• GP referrals for subsidized counseling
• Employee assistance programs