Getting through Fathers Day when your dad’s not around.

Clinical Psychologist Donna Stambulich joined Christine Layton to talk about the challenges in the lead up to Father’ Day, and the day itself, for people whose fathers have died.

Ms Stambulich says the death of her own dad gave her a personal experience of the difficulties the day can represent.

“Fathers Day sort of just blindsided me,” she said.

“It wasn’t until I went to the shops with my kids and we were getting Father’s Day cards for them, and I went to get for my own Dad.

“There are triggers everywhere, all of the time.”

She says it’s important to acknowledge your grief and to not be afraid of talking about it.

“I think the grief just gets bigger and bigger, and then what happens is it comes out in really inappropriate ways.”

Listen to the full conversation with Christine Layton on ABC Radio Perth Afternoons.

https://www.abc.net.au/perth/programs/wa-afternoons/fathers-day-triggers/101402230