Wendy Chambers, a mum from Glasgow, has opened up about her struggles with grief that led to suicidal thoughts before receiving free bereavement support she says saved her life.
Wendy has bravely shared a video detailing her experience in the hope it will help others struggling to cope with the death of a loved one by reaching out to Cruse Scotland, the bereavement support charity she turned to for help that “pulled her from a very, very dark place.”
In the video, shared across the charity’s social media accounts, Wendy opens up about how she suffered the loss of both parents just 10 weeks apart during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Her way of coping was to make herself so incredibly busy; helping others, working extra hours, and studying for a Master’s degree – to ultimately avoid her grief. After two years, however, the pain and unresolved grief had built up so much, it almost cost the mum her own life.
Wendy said: “My days were literally full from morning ‘til night and I didn’t have any time to think. That coping mechanism lasted until August 2022, when my life and my head were so busy that I planned to take my own life.
“That’s when I contacted Cruse Scotland, and they provided me with face-to-face counselling support.”
Wendy has chosen to share her story now as she knows Christmas is a time when loss is felt particularly acutely and wants to raise awareness of the bereavement support available to others who may be going through a similar, painful experience. Wendy also hopes to inspire others to donate to the charity to keep the vital services free and accessible for all who may need them.
In a written blog she also has published on the charity’s website, Wendy recalled how tough that first Christmas without her parents was:
“I remember standing in a queue with a basket full of gifts for my daughter, Mia, when I noticed a box of my Mum’s favourite chocolates – Walnut Whips.
My first instinct was to grab a box as a stocking filler, and as I reached out my hand, that pain of loss swept over me once again and I just crumbled right there in the queue, sobbing loudly, tears streaming down my face, the folk around me just staring not sure what to say or do.”
Fiona Arnott-Barron, CEO of Cruse Scotland, said: “Wendy’s story is really alarming – a vibrant woman who was so overwhelmed by her grief that she considered suicide.”
“More alarming however, is that Wendy’s story is not unique. Sadly in Cruse Scotland, we hear stories like hers every single day. Our Helpline is there to listen and support people who are so devastated by the death of someone close that they cannot imagine continuing without them.
“This vital support can only be given to children, young people and adults in Scotland if we have the funds to provide this service for everyone who needs us. If we cannot raise enough funds, then the harsh reality is people like Wendy may not be able to get the support they need. And so, this Christmas we are asking; Will you be a life saver?”
The charity say that even a donation of £10 can save a life – as that covers the cost of a one-hour call to their bereavement Helpline from someone who is in desperate need of support, just like Wendy was.
Wendy added; “Cruse Scotland pulled me from a very, very dark place and saved me from myself, and for that I will always be grateful.”
If you need support with your grief, to hear Wendy’s story, or if you are in a position to donate to Cruse Scotland this Christmas, visit www.crusescotland.org.uk/christmas
