Today will be a very emotional and difficult day in the UK and across many parts of the world for those mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth. We wanted to share with you some ways in which you could support yourself today and the days ahead.
Accept whatever way you are feeling as it is a normal response to loss - it is important to give time and space to your feelings.
Talk about your thoughts and feelings with others - it is important not to bottle up how you are feeling. There will be many children and young people who can share those feelings with you. Maybe you could chat to a friend, teacher, lecturer, sibling or parent about how the Queen’s death is making you feel. There should be no shame or embarrassment in sharing feelings. Talk to someone you feel comfortable with. If you find it difficult to say the words, maybe you could write them down or type them out as an outlet.
Find a way to pay tribute - make time for reflection, think about the Queen and what she meant to you. Maybe you have or would like to lay flowers in her memory. The Queen was known for her kind and caring nature, maybe you could offer an act of kindness in her memory.
Reach out to support services today and the days ahead - you are not alone in your grief, there are people here to listen to and support you. The Cruse helpline is open from 10am-4pm. You can call the free helpline on: 0800 808 1677.
Leave a dedication to Her Majesty The Queen - Cruse have created a Garden of Remembrance to allow those who would like to, to leave an online tribute in her memory: https://garden-of-remembrance.dedicationpage.org/.
Leave a personal dedication in memory of your loved one - we understand today can cause you to feel your own grief, this is normal. To honour your grief, you may like to make a tribute on the A Sea of Yellow Hearts page over on the Cruse website: https://cruse.dedicationpage.org/yellowhearts.
Be kind to yourself - practice self-care today and everyday. Give space and acknowledgement to how you are feeling and do what feels right to you.
