Advice, guides & articles

As the leaves change colour and the air turns crisp, the arrival of autumn brings with it the perfect opportunity to engage in some much needed self-care. While many of us eagerly anticipate pumpkin-spiced lattes and cosy scarves, the transition to autumn can be a challenging time for some. The shorter, darker nights can bring about feelings of melancholy, and the shift in seasons may exacerbate the struggle that some individuals experience with their mental well-being. Here are ten ways you can embrace autumn self-care to help boost your mental health and make the most of this enchanting season: Spend time in nature Autumn is a beautiful season; trees are stunning in hues of red, orange and yellow, their leaves crunching underfoot, and the air starts to turn crisp. Go for a leisurely hike, a peaceful walk through the woods, or simply find a park where you can sit and enjoy the beauty of the changing leaves. Spending time outside can work wonders for your mental well-being.

As we mark World Mental Health Day 2023, the theme ‘Mental health is a universal right’ resonates profoundly in a world where access to mental health care remains a challenge for many. This year’s theme underscores the importance of recognising mental health as a basic human right, equal to physical health. World Mental Health Day 2023 takes place on 10th October, and aims to raise awareness and drive positive change for everyone. It provides an opportunity to talk about mental health, how we can look after it, and the importance of getting help if you are struggling.

Baby Loss Awareness Week takes place this year from 9th-15th October, and is in its 21st year. The aim is to raise awareness for baby loss, and to let people who have lost a baby know that they are not alone, helping them to find support, and offering them a space to share their experiences. To read more, head to the website babyloss-awareness.org

In 2017, two workers on the London Underground took it upon themselves to spread a little joy by writing poems, quotes, and words of encouragement on the information white boards dotted around the different stations. They seemed popular, and so they started an Instagram account where they could post photos of the boards, and six years later they’ve had two books out and have 1.2 million followers. Ian and Jeremy call themselves @AllOnTheBoard, and they write about everything from The Beatles to eating disorders, from arthritis to bullying. Here we have collected a few of their posts about grief, starting off with two poems.

I think it’s probably a safe bet to say that “I’d like to watch a show about grief” is not a phrase you hear uttered that often when browsing streaming services like Netflix or Disney+. I always find it to be a really interesting device for character growth though, as such an intense emotion provides a lot of scope for a whole array of feelings. Plus, for those who have experienced grief personally, it gives you some instant relatability, and that moment of realising that you’re not the only one who has felt that way. I have tried to choose quite a broad spectrum of TV shows in my list below, in order to find something that will suit a whole range of different people and experiences. Some are funny, some are intense, but they all share a common theme and show just how grief can affect people from all walks of life. After Life “One day you’ll eat your last meal, smell your last flower, hug your friend for the very last time. You might not know it’s the last time, so that’s why you should do everything you love with passion, you know? Treasure the few years you’ve got because that’s all there is.” I think Ricky Gervais’ character of Tony is one of the greatest examples of character development ever written. Tony is grieving the loss of his wife by being cantankerous, aggressive, and just downright mean to everyone he meets. As we go through the show though, we slowly get hints of the loving person that’s hidden behind this stony exterior, and it’s his relationships with his friends and family that ultimately save him. Each episode is incredibly funny, while also being so intensely sad. It’s certainly a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, so make sure that you’re in the right headspace to appreciate it. This Is Us “I think that's sort of how it works, you know? We go through life slowly but surely collecting these little pieces of ourselves that we can't really live without until we eventually have enough of them to feel whole.” This one is a big commitment, with a total of 106 episodes, but it really is worth the effort. Essentially it is a family drama series, but it all revolves around the death of Jack Pearson, who leaves his wife and three kids behind to navigate the grief together. There’s so much more to this show than grief, but it does always keep coming back to that loss and how each person dealt with it differently. There’s a lot of love and laughter, but there are also a lot of tears, so have your tissues at the ready for this one. Broadchurch “Grief is like a splinter deep into every fingertip; to touch anything is torture.” This one is a little different, as the grief is not perhaps quite as obvious at first glance, but it is there in two ways. Firstly it’s a murder mystery show, and the grief for the young boy who has been killed is felt throughout the small town. The grief is almost felt universally throughout the town as we learn how each person knew him or his family. And secondly, the detective is dealing with a double dose of grief himself. He grieves over a child who died in a previous case that he could not solve, and he also grieves the loss of a loving relationship. The mystery is gripping enough to keep you watching, but the smaller character moments are what really makes this one stand out. Dead To Me “If you love someone, they’re always with you, no matter where they go.” A comedy about grief that’s also a mystery drama..? It sounds like it shouldn’t work, but the writing here is pretty great and the twists and turns keep you coming back for more. Two grieving women bond during therapy, but one of them is not being honest, and the two flit between friends and enemies as the series progresses. Despite the over the top plot, there’s a lot here that people might see as being familiar in their own experiences of grief, such as avoidance, denial and anger. Fleabag “I don’t know what to do with it … With all the love I have for her. I don’t know where to put it now.” Fleabag gets categorised as a comedy, and it definitely is funny, but it’s also so much more than that. It is 100% about grief, as the titular character has lost both her mum and her best friend, and is lashing out at the world because of it. She breaks the fourth wall to let us know what she’s thinking and feeling, and then we also get flashbacks to time spent with her best friend. This show won Baftas, Emmys, and Golden Globes, all rightly so. It is quite foul mouthed though, so just be aware if that’s not your thing. WandaVision “What is grief, if not love persevering?” Now, if you’re not a fan of the Marvel superhero movies, then you might want to skip this one. It starts off as a 60s sitcom, but as you go through the episodes you realise that there’s something else at play. Basically, Wanda has magic powers, and she had to watch the love of her life die in front of her, so as a way of running from the grief she creates this whole world around her where she lives happily with her husband, and even has two children. I won’t give away any spoilers here, but we see this extreme form of escapism used as a way to avoid dealing with the grief, and then we see anger when she finally has to confront it. Despite how wild and crazy it sounds, it does contain one of my favourite lines written about grief which I’ve quoted above, and it trended online when it was first released, showing that it quickly resonated with a lot of people. Have I missed anything out? I always love to hear your own recommendations, so please leave them in the comments below!

With so many Funeral Notices being added to the site each and every day, we come across so many different charities that people want to raise money for in memory of a loved one. A lot of them are the big charities that we are used to seeing regularly, but then there are some that come along that we would have never thought about, and shining a spotlight on these lesser known charities has become a way in which we can make sure more people learn about them. One example of a charity that we may never have come across otherwise is the Farming Community Network. The families and friends of both Lionel George Bagg and Tony Edmunds raised fantastic amounts of money for this charity, so we thought we would take a closer look at who they are.

Grief is an inevitable part of the human experience, a natural response to the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or a significant life change. Finding solace and understanding in the words of others can be incredibly comforting during these difficult times. Reading quotes about grief reminds us that we are not alone in how we feel, and that other people have experienced similar emotions. Here is a collection of quotes about grief, offering wisdom, perspective, and a sense of connection for anyone suffering through their own journey of grief:

“Grief is the price we pay for love.” - Queen Elizabeth II “No one ever told me that grief felt so much like fear.” - C.S. Lewis "There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief." - Aeschylus "Given a choice between grief and nothing, I'd choose grief." - William Faulkner "Grief changes shape, but it never ends." - Keanu Reeves "The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living." - Marcus Tullius Cicero "Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak whispers the o'er-fraught heart and bids it break." - William Shakespeare "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." - Dr. Seuss "Our grief is as individual as our lives." - Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross "When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure." - Author unknown "Grief is not a disorder, a disease or a sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve." - Earl Grollman “Grief can be a burden, but also an anchor. You get used to the weight, how it holds you in place.” - Sarah Dessen

In moments of grief, these famous quotes offer solace and a reminder that we are not alone in our experiences. They reflect the universal nature of loss and the enduring power of love and memory. Grief may never go away fully, but it is a testament to the depth of our connections and the richness of our lives. We can find strength in the wisdom of those who have travelled this path before us, perhaps finding different perspectives on how to navigate and find meaning in the process of mourning. Thank you for reading.

Traditionally funerals have always been sombre occasions, marked by grief and mourning. However, there is a growing movement to shift the focus from mourning the loss to celebrating the life lived. Personalising funerals to reflect the unique stories and personalities of the deceased in order to celebrate their life both honours the departed and can play a vital role in the healing process for grieving loved ones. Here are some ways to honour and remember loved ones in a more meaningful and uplifting manner: Customised themes One way to personalise a funeral is by choosing a theme that resonates with the deceased’s interests or personality. If they were passionate about sports, for instance, try to incorporate elements of this into their funeral, perhaps asking funeral goers to wear the colours of their favourite team. If they were an avid gardener, the funeral could be adorned with flowers and plants. Memories and stories Sharing memories and stories of the deceased is a great way to honour them. Incorporating storytelling sessions or video tributes allows friends and family to reminisce, recounting cherished moments, humorous anecdotes and heartwarming tales. This both helps mourners to remember their loved one as they were, as well as providing an opportunity for healing through laughter and connection.

Whether faced with the loss of a loved one, a break up, a career setback, or any other emotionally distressing event, it’s important to prioritise self-care while going through the process of grief. Grief is a natural response to any kind of loss, and while it can be overwhelming, practising self-care can help you to heal and find solace. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can take care of yourself during difficult times. Self-care involves intentional actions that prioritise your mental, physical and emotional well-being. During times of grief, self-care becomes a lifeline that can help you manage the intense emotions and maintain a sense of balance. Here are a few ways you can practise self-care during the grieving process: Prioritise emotional well-being Try to engage in activities that bring you joy, such as journaling, listening to music, creating art, and spending time in nature. Engaging in your hobbies and interests can help to ground you during times of grief. Make sure to take some time for yourself every now and then, for example set aside some time to read that book you’ve had your eye on, or pamper yourself with a long, hot bath with candles lit. Establish a routine Following a daily routine can provide structure and stability during difficult times. Simple changes such as having a set time to go to bed and get up can make a big difference. Over time you can add more things to your routine, such as exercise, socialising and hobbies. Maintain physical health Maintaining your physical health can also have a positive impact on your mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, helping to improve your overall mood while keeping your physical body healthy. Even gentle exercise such as walking or yoga are beneficial. Eating a well balanced diet and staying hydrated are also important to maintain both physical and mental health. Engage in mindfulness Meditation and deep breathing can help you to stay present and manage overwhelming emotions. Practising mindfulness techniques can help you to reduce stress, sleep better, and develop an attitude of self-care.

Reminiscing with an elderly family member is always a sure fire way to bring a smile to their face, as they look back on a life well lived and remember all things they have seen and done. In popular culture, there has been a big surge over recent years for nostalgic media, especially in the 30-40 age bracket. Be it remakes of childhood favourite films, or a television show set in the 80s or 90s, these nostalgia trips are proving to be a hit. So why not combine the two ideas, and try reminiscing over some nostalgic memories with your elderly relatives?