Resources

Witnessing a traumatic event can have a profound and lasting impact on an individual's emotional well-being. Whether it's a natural disaster, accident, act of violence, or any other distressing incident, the grief experienced by witnesses often goes unrecognized. In this blog, we will delve into the hidden aspects of grief associated with witnessing a traumatic event and discuss strategies for coping and healing.

1. The Unseen Grief:
While the focus is often on the direct victims of a traumatic event, witnesses also bear an immense emotional burden. Witnessing a distressing incident can lead to feelings of helplessness, guilt, fear, and profound sadness. Acknowledging and understanding this unseen grief is the first step towards healing.

2. Allow Yourself to Feel:
It is essential to give yourself permission to feel the full range of emotions that arise from witnessing a traumatic event. Suppressing or denying these emotions can have long-term negative effects on your mental and emotional well-being. Embrace the grieving process and be compassionate with yourself as you navigate through the stages of grief.

3. Express Your Emotions:
Finding healthy outlets to express your emotions can be profoundly healing. Engage in activities such as journaling, art therapy, or participating in support groups where you can openly share your feelings and experiences. Verbalizing or creatively expressing your emotions can help process and release the grief associated with witnessing a traumatic event.

4. Practice Self-Care:
Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being is crucial during this challenging time. Engage in self-care activities that promote relaxation, such as practicing mindfulness, exercising, getting enough sleep, and eating a balanced diet. Prioritize activities that bring you joy and promote a sense of calm and inner peace.

5. Reaching out for Help:
If the grief associated with witnessing a traumatic event becomes overwhelming and begins to interfere with your daily life, seeking professional help is essential. mental health professional can guide you through the healing process, provide coping strategies, and address any underlying trauma or emotional distress.

8. Give Yourself Time:
Healing from the grief associated with witnessing a traumatic event is a journey that takes time. Be patient with yourself and acknowledge that healing is a gradual process. Allow yourself the necessary time and space to heal and recover, respecting your own unique timeline.

6. Seek Support:
Don't hesitate to reach out for support from trusted friends, family, or mental health professionals. Sharing your experience with others who understand the emotional impact of witnessing trauma can provide validation, comfort, and a sense of belonging.

Reach out to NALAG for support and helpful resources on 6882 9222. 

Witnessing a traumatic event can leave an indelible mark on an individual's emotional well-being. By acknowledging the grief associated with witnessing trauma, seeking support, expressing emotions, practicing self-care, and seeking professional help when needed, it is possible to navigate the healing process. Remember, you are not alone in your grief, and there is hope for healing and finding a renewed sense of peace and resilience.

In the face of loss and grief children often find themselves grappling with emotions that they may struggle to comprehend or express. As caring adults, it is our responsibility to provide them with the support and guidance they need to navigate the challenging journey of grief. In this blog, we will explore effective strategies and practical tips to help children process their grief in a healthy and healing manner.

1. Open and Honest Communication:
When it comes to discussing grief with children, open and honest communication in an age appropriate way is the key. Create a safe space where they feel comfortable expressing their emotions without judgment or fear. Encourage them to ask questions and be prepared to answer them in an age-appropriate manner. Remember, it's okay to admit if you don't have all the answers – sometimes simply being there to listen is enough.

2. Validate Their Feelings:
Grief can elicit a wide range of emotions in children, such as sadness, anger, confusion, and even guilt. It is crucial to validate their feelings and let them know that it is normal to experience such emotions during this challenging time. Assure them that their feelings are valid and that they are not alone in their pain.

3. Maintain Routines and Stability:
Children thrive on routines and stability, especially during times of grief. Keeping their daily routines as consistent as possible can offer a sense of security and normalcy amidst the chaos. However, be flexible and understanding if they need occasional breaks or adjustments during particularly difficult moments.

4. Encourage Healthy Expression:
Children may express their grief in various ways, such as through play, art, or storytelling. Encourage them to find healthy outlets for their emotions, allowing them to express themselves in ways that feel natural to them. Engaging in activities like drawing, writing, or even playing with puppets can help them process their emotions and find comfort in self-expression.

5. Be a Role Model:
Children often learn by observing the behavior of those around them. As an adult, you play a vital role in guiding them through their grief. Show them healthy coping mechanisms by taking care of your own emotional well-being. This might involve seeking support from friends, family, or NALAG and engaging in self-care activities that promote healing.

6. Memorialise and Honour Loved Ones:
Encouraging children to memorialise and honour their loved ones can provide a sense of closure and help foster positive memories. This can be done through activities such as creating memory boxes, planting a tree or flowers in their memory, or even organising a small ceremony or gathering to share stories and celebrate the life of the person they lost. See the printable Remembrance Tree craft activity above.

Supporting children through grief requires a delicate balance of empathy, patience, and understanding. By creating a nurturing environment where their emotions are acknowledged and validated, we can help children navigate the complexities of grief and learn to heal and grow from their experiences. Remember, every child grieves differently, so adapt your approach to suit their unique needs, and above all, be a source of unwavering love and support.

Each year, the 11th of September stands as a sombre reminder of the devastating terrorist attacks that forever changed our world. You, as I, remember exactly where you were when you heard or saw this terror unfolding on your TV or news outlet 22 years ago.

I was in Taree establishing a branch of NALAG.

Today is the anniversary of this tragic event - I can recall that NALAG received many calls in the aftermath from people trying to find ways to honour the lives lost, while also finding healthy ways to express their own grief.

In this blog, we'll take a deeper look into the importance of remembering 9/11, explore the various emotions that arise during this time, and provide suggestions for expressing our grief in meaningful and healing ways.

1. Reflecting on the Impact:
Although this event took place 22 years ago, it could still feel like yesterday for the many Australians that were affected, acknowledging the profound impact it had on individuals, families, communities, and nations. Take a moment to reflect on the lives lost, the acts of heroism witnessed, and the collective trauma experienced. Recognise the significance of this day and its enduring effects on our society.

2. Embracing Our Emotions:
Grief is a complex emotion that manifests differently for each person. During this time, it is natural to experience a range of emotions such as sadness, anger, guilt, or even confusion. Allow yourself to feel these emotions and understand that they are valid responses to such a colossal tragedy. Give yourself permission to grieve in your own way and at your own pace.

3. Creating a Personal Memorial:
Light a candle, place flowers, or display photographs of those who were lost.

4. Seeking Support:
Remember, you are not alone in your grief. Reach out to family, friends, or professional counsellors who can provide support.

NALAG's grief support service is always available.

As we remember the tragic events of 9/11, it is essential for those still effected to find healthy ways to express their grief. By reflecting on the impact, embracing their emotions, creating personal memorials sharing stories and memories, and seeking support, we honour the lives lost while finding healing and connection. Let us remember 9/11 with empathy, resilience, and a commitment to fostering a world of peace and understanding.

It’s that time of year again when the energy in the community is in a celebratory mode. However, for those of us that have experienced a loss we may struggle with the whole thought of the holiday season and all that goes with it.

We may dread the thought of trying to cope when loss is still raw or grief is triggered by the reminders of our loss.

Particularly if we have experienced the death of a loved one in recent years, the impact of the pandemic has made itself felt. We have experienced that extra layer of restrictions excluding us from our usual support systems of physical contact and human touch with family and friends, along with minimisation of funerals and the usual systems that would support us through our grief.

The experience of grief is so individual and the roller coaster of emotions unique to each person over time. Navigating Christmas and the holiday season can be exhausting both physically and emotionally … go gently!

We may be left with a sense of dread in the face of the celebrations and joyous greetings of all around us, wanting simply to run away or avoid the ‘holiday joy’ when a vacant space in our heart is prominent in our being.

There is a way through this … trust yourself as to what you need and NALAG may be able to assist you in recognising the continuing bonds that can support you through this year and future years as well.

Supporting Children and Young People
Christmas and the holiday season can be an extremely difficult time for children, young people and families especially when a parent, sibling or other significant person has died, or because other circumstances prevent that special person being with them.

Coping with grief around Christmas and the holiday season can be tough for everyone and the feelings of loss and grief can be especially hard during this time. NALAG’s recommendation is to prepare for this difficult time, and plan ahead.

Top Ten Tips for Coping with Grief During the Holiday Season
1. Talk together as a family; discuss how they feel and ask what they want to do.

2. Take time for them to remember their loved one who has died or who will not be with them.

3. Light a candle in memory of your loss.

4. Making a special remembrance symbol, placing the person’s name and a message on it.

5. Place a photo of the person in a quiet space in your home or a special item like their favourite hat.

6. Visit the cemetery or special place of remembrance and write a message on a card or place flowers at the site.

7. Let your children know that it is still ok to laugh and have fun during this time.

8. Have an escape plan for events and activities that may be triggering.

9. Volunteer or donate to a charity in memory of your loved one.

10. Remember, support is always available. For 24/7 crisis support during the holiday season, call

Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.