Exhausted.

Living after loss is hard!

Words by Lucy ' When my baby died in the days that followed, I remember feeling numb, in my mind I knew it would take time to pick myself up but I felt broken.

The days, weeks and months followed...I felt exhausted.

I decided to set myself some basic tasks daily, which were to eat three meals everyday, to stay hydrated, to shower and to get out for walk daily.

Over time, I began to slowly feel a little better but knew I would never be the same.

For me now nearly five years on, I still have days when my grief hits me, I still have days that I feel exhausted both physically and emotionally, I have learnt that this will most likely never get better and to instead welcome and ride these waves when they hit.

Remembering my self care basics helps me to cope because I know when I'm dehydrated, when I don't eat, when I don't shower or care for myself that this battle feels harder.

My advice to others is to be be kind with yourself, care for your basic needs and give yourself a break...it's okay that you don't feel better, it's okay that your having a hard day, I have learnt that sometimes trying to fix this only makes it feel worse,.so I practice acceptance and kindness to what's here'

Our Ellie's gift app will be relaunching soon with a new self care area with support for families to help them cope after loss. If you know someone our support will help please point them in our direction.