How to cope with loneliness over winter
Over winter, with the darker evenings, feelings of loneliness can seem more overwhelming than ever.
I find myself feeling super down around June time. I have Father’s Day and the anniversary only a week apart, but I know there are things I can do to remember the lush memories and times that I had with my dad.
One key thing I do is act like he’s still around. I find it helpful to talk to him as if he were right there next to me. You find yourself missing the little things. Sometimes I might be making a cup of tea and end up talking to dad about what’s happened that day or what my plans are this week. It helps to think that he might actually be able to hear me.
The next thing I do is cry. I let it all out because I know that I’m going to feel better afterwards. I sit in bed and cry. Looking through photos, listening to music and crying is usually my routine on a day like Father’s Day. It helps to release pressure of having to be ok.
It’s okay to just sit and cry and sometimes my mum and I do it together. It’s nice to have someone who knows when I’m sad and when I want to cry. It makes me think of times when it was the three of us and not just me and mum. It is helpful to remember that crying is a good thing. Not embarrassing or ugly. It is key when letting out your emotions and expressing how you feel. Never be ashamed to cry because its natural and it can help when you don’t have the words to say how you’re feeling.
My dad wasn’t buried so I don’t have a grave to go and visit but I compromise. Every Father’s Day and anniversary, my mum and I have my dad’s favourite food – curry! It is something that was a staple part of our diet and my dad embedded the love of it in me from a very young age. Food and learning how to cook is something that my dad left me with when he died. I love to cook and bake the recipes he taught me and also explore new things to try.
When I’m cooking is the time when I feel closest to dad. Just knowing that he would be right there next to me, guiding and teaching me. It sparks the best memories and I end up reminiscing instead of actually cooking! Doing things that you would’ve done together can be sad because they’re not there but it can also show you the good times that you had doing these things.
Since my dad died my mum has become my rock. She knows exactly when I need a hug or when it’s best not to say anything. She is the person I go to, to just talk about dad. What he was like before I was born, how they got engaged and things like that. It is comforting to hear someone else’s thoughts and feelings on someone we both love so much.
My dad is still a massive part of my life, he’s just not here. That is something that keeps me going. Talking about him and living life like he is still here. Telling people what he was like and what he liked to do shows others that it’s okay for them to mention him or ask me questions. It keeps his memory alive and I never feel like I have to hide my bereavement or grief.
Remembering my dad on Father’s Day isn’t something I can do by myself, it involves the people I love and those who loved my dad, but it’s okay if you want to be by yourself and do something for just you, something that allows you to remember that special person.
Knowing that you aren’t the only young person grieving can be life changing. Here you can read the experiences of other young people, advice and tips from experts and speak to our bereavement support workers.
Advice, resources and talks to help you understand grief and how it might impact you.
Grieving young people share their real experiences – the good, the bad and the ugly.
Trained bereavement support workers to listen and support you in your grief.
Grief is different for everyone, so however you are feeling you’ll find something to relate to.
Over winter, with the darker evenings, feelings of loneliness can seem more overwhelming than ever.
Crying is a normal response when your person has died, no matter how long ago. There's no right or wrong way to grieve, and it's okay to let it out.
A guide for grieving young people from the Winston's Wish Bereavement Support Team.
Three of our Youth Ambassadors, Anna, Libby and Angharad, reflect on their first Christmas without their person.
Winter and the Christmas holidays can be a difficult time of year. Here are five ways to remember your person this season.
Winston's Wish Bereavement Support Workers share their 8 top tips for bereaved teens and young adults through the colder months.
Youth Ambassadors share the ways they remember their person digitally, through photo albums, playlists, and more.
Youth Ambassadors, Daisy, Freya, and Katie, share their personal views of their own secondary losses as a result of their bereavement.
Hear from some of the Youth Team about times when their teachers have helped them with their grief.
Some tips for taking care of yourself when you're grieving for a celebrity or public figure.
Our Bereavement Support Team have written some guidance on how to manage grief when you feel like you aren't able to be open.
Lilly shares an introduction to her grief experience and why it's so important to her to be a Winston's Wish Youth Ambassador.
Hear from some of their Youth Team about how they found support at uni.
Angus, Content Creator, says, "This message is about embracing change and not letting current moments pass you by."
Coping strategies to support you after a teacher has died
Tips from our bereavement support team to help you with big life changes like moving out as a young adult.
Useful tips to help you understand and cope with your grief.
Feeling sad that your person isn't there, guilty that you're celebrating your results, or proud of yourself for your results. There's no right or wrong way to grieve.
It can be very difficult knowing what to say and to be around someone who has experienced the death of someone close. Adults find it difficult too, so try not to feel bad about this.
The death of a friend may feel extremely difficult and can feel as significant as that of a family member. Whatever you're feeling is valid, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve.
Jack, Content Creator, writes about how managing his grief through running has led to him winning the Leeds Half Marathon 2024!
Iman, Youth Ambassador, explains about Eid and shares what it's like for her and her family to grieve during Eid.
Miranda shares about how she uses music in different ways to help express her grief and emotions.
Ashleigh writes about how both writing and music have helped her in her grief.
The Winston's Wish bereavement support team share top tips for managing grief this Father's Day.
Grace's dad died from cancer when she was eight years old, she shares how she remembers her dad on Father’s Day.
Feelings of worry are very normal when you're grieving. Read on to discover some ways to manage these feelings.
Useful tips for exam season if you're grieving
Youth Ambassador, Iman, shares about her Eid celebrations as a grieving young person
Content Creator, Angus shares his thoughts
Useful tips for exam season
Interview with Mark O’Sullivan, writer of Tell Me Everything
Tips to help improve your sleep when you're grieving
How poetry can be a useful way to express your feelings
Young people share what it's like to grieve while studying at uni.
Our bereavement experts are available to speak to for immediate support on weekdays from 8am to 8pm.
Get top tips from bereavement experts, and hear from Youth Ambassadors, Henri and Teigan, about their experiences of Mother's Day.
Phoebe's mum died when she was nine. She shares how she feels on Mother’s Day and how she remembers her mum.