Self-Care After Something Tragic Happens In Our Lives.

The shock and pain of a serious emotional upset is undoubtedly quite difficult to deal with that can be described as a ‘psychological trauma’. Grief and bereavement is a normal part of being human to help us process and deal with our heavy loss or trauma.

While we are processing our pain it’s important that we remember not to lose sight of ourselves.

Serious emotional upsets can happen in our lives such as;  the suicide of someone we know and love, divorce, the death of a child, unexpected death of a loved one or close friend or even a pet just to name a few. These are massive blows leading to a variety of heavy emotions. Yet, it is vital that while we are dealing with that level of pain that we also look after ourselves on a holistic level.

Here are a few things we can do to love and look after ourselves during this time

• Eat & Sleep Well – Try to eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water and get enough sleep. We need to be able to function at our best particularly when we are going through these difficult times.
• Exercise – You might not feel like doing anything at all. However, exercise will help you look after your overall wellbeing.
• Prayer & Bible Reading – Reading your bible & talk to God through your pain and grief.
• Talk to someone – Tell others.  It might be a family member, a friend or a counsellor you choose to talk to with an empathic ear.  It’s always good to talk to someone openly. If you don’t have a person you can trust consider talking to a counsellor who is an unbiased listener.

Sometimes when we lose a loved one, we can experience suicidal thoughts ourselves.

To keep safe when having suicidal thoughts contact: 

Dial 000 – answer the operator’s questions or contact your hospital’s emergency department.

Tell your doctor, tell a friend, call a family member or friend for help.  Don’t do it alone.

Where to Get Help When Grieving

Talk to your doctor and see a mental health professional.
Visit CCAA to search for a Christian counsellor near you.
Visit ACA to search for a counsellor near you.

Free 24/7 Counselling Services

Lifeline on 13 11 14
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
Headspace on 1800 650 890

Studying at aifc

Have you thought about counselling?   It’s a great opportunity to learn how you can extend God’s love and grace to the hurting out in the community.

For those who would like to enrol in aifc’s accredited Christian counselling courses we have two intakes per year for courses commencing around the following months:

–The beginning of each year in February
-Mid-Year courses commence in July

Enrolment Season – opens approximately 2 months prior our courses commencing. Enquire now and fill out the form with your details to receive course information by email.  Enrol online here during our enrolment season.

Those living overseas can study aifc’s courses via our Distance Based Program.
The International  Student Program,  enables those with a student visa to Study On Campus in Sydney.

Note: A Master of Counselling course will be commencing in 2018.

Contact aifc Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm with your enquiries on 6242 5111 or toll free on 1300 721 397