How are you navigating your loss in your 20s or early 30s?

[SkyHighLindsay]

Hey all, I lost my dad 3 years ago in a sudden cycling accident. It was, and still remains, the hardest thing I have ever had to navigate. He was a real diamond of a human being and imagining life without him felt absolutely impossible - it still does. I was 24 when he died. 

Throughout my grief process, I initially felt I had to be brave - keep strong for my dad and my family, not be too embarrassing in front of friends, and still perform well at work since I was early in my career. About a year later, it really hit me. I felt like I lost all sense of who I was without him. I didn't feel like I had my compass anymore to bounce off, or to check I was doing the right thing by. It's taken me these 3 years to really bounce back onto my feet. And that's not to say those entire 3 years have been a nightmare, but it has been much more difficult than I think I sometimes allow myself to admit. 

I personally don't feel there is a lot of support out there for people just entering the early stages of adulthood (18 - 30ish). I'm really interesting in hearing from anyone else in that age range who was looking for support - charities, advice on how to do probate or deal with the practicalities of death, where to go for therapy or support, how to carry on navigating a job and employment etc. I'm exploring starting a new support charity in the UK, and would LOVE to get a better sense of what others have been going through, or what they would really love to find out there on the internet that could help them through their grief as a younger adult. 

Sending lots of supportive hugs to anyone struggling right now. And from someone 3 years down the line, the love never fades, but the grief gets easier to navigate. xxx