Kathy Schubach was still struggling to deal with the deaths of her mother and husband only 14 months apart when she moved to Wagga five years ago.
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Her mother passed away in Cootamundra six months before her husband was diagnosed with lung cancer.
Mrs Schubach was living in Batemans Bay and still processing her mother’s death when she became a full-time carer to her husband.
Her husband died about seven months after his diagnosis and Mrs Schubach spiralled into depression.
She sought comfort in a support group once a week for six weeks for people dealing with grief after losing a loved one.
“After Ian went I was mentally and physically exhausted,” she said.
“I hadn’t finished dealing with Mum’s death.
“It was so lonely.
“And I was going through a full spectrum of emotions.
“It was just nice to hear that you weren’t the only one struggling.”
The support group helped Mrs Schubach to process her grief.
But upon moving to Wagga and taking a step back in her recovery, Mrs Schubach found there was a lack of social support within the community.
It was through talking to a counsellor that she met therapist Julianne Whyte with the Amaranth Foundation.
Mrs Whyte has been looking at setting up a support group for some time and Mrs Schubach has been assisting by distributing fliers about an upcoming meeting.
“When I got to Wagga and didn’t know many people, I got a bit depressed,” Mrs Schubach said.
“I tried to reach out for support but I couldn’t find any.”
Mrs Schubach and Mrs Whyte are hosting a free support group on April 17 at Amaranth House at 46 Peter Street from 7pm.
Those who have suffered from the death of a friend or family member are encouraged to come along and provide input into how the group should run, how often it should meet and what it should be called.
Supper will be provided for a gold coin donation and more information can be obtained from 6033 1738.