Coping with grief

“When my husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer, part of me felt like falling apart, the other part knew that I had to be pragmatic for his sake. After twenty years of teaching, I decided to retire so that I could care for him.

The doctors told me that it was only a matter of time so I had to prepare myself. I needed to find out about the financial implications for when my husband was no longer with me. I consulted Teacher Support Network’s online coaching. I immediately felt reassured when I found out just how much they could help me, from offering money advice to bereavement counselling should I need it.

Soon after, my husband passed away. Those first few weeks were a blur, but I hadn’t forgotten that Teacher Support Network was there for me. This time I needed more than practical advice. After getting in touch, my coach helped me to realise that while I was prepared for his passing, I was only just starting to accept that he was not coming home.

I was also finding it really hard to speak about things to my children. They were obviously devastated too – but I still felt like I was having to cope on my own. It was so reassuring to know that what I was feeling was normal and that I was not alone.

After a few more sessions, I felt ready to take the next step and have bereavement counselling. I’m so grateful for all of the support I was given at this difficult, sad time in my life.”

— Retired teacher