Hi there
It sounds like you’re going through a really difficult time and feeling at a real loss at the moment. I’m really glad that you felt able to get in touch with me.
Losing someone close to you, like your dad, can be extremely hard and it’s understandable that this has been affecting you and other parts of your life, like school. It can be really hard to cope with things when dealing with bereavement. Bereavement is a very natural process, and it’s OK to be affected by it.
You ask for help and advice. Different people can deal with bereavement in different ways and this might depend on the relationships they had with those that have died and their beliefs about death. Sometimes, it can be useful to find ways to remember the people we love that have died; for example, by visiting a place they loved, making a book of all the memories and photos, or talking to them. Most of all, it’s really important that you find a way that’s right and special for you to remember your dad.
It’s also really understandable that you might be feeling like you’re struggling if you’re not really getting any support. Different people can find different kinds of support useful for different kinds of issues. You might find it useful to think about what, in particular, you’re wanting support with: bereavement, school, coping or something else. Maybe you could also think about what kind of support it is that you’re wanting and who from.
Sometimes it can help to talk to others, not only so that you can feel more supported, but also because talking can be a good way to get things off your chest. If there is a trusted adult that you can talk to – at school or home - I wonder what you would want to say to them.
Whether or not you can think of someone you know that you’d want to talk to, remember that you can always talk to a Childline counsellor, through email, 1-2-1 chat or by phone (0800 1111). They’re there to listen to you and support you.
Take care
Sam