Support as you Grieve

Sometimes a loss is just too much to bear on our own. There are some things in life that we are simply ill-equipped to deal with. Losing someone who is extremely close to us, such as a child, spouse, parent, or sibling, can literally push us to the brink. And, unfortunately, those that remain behind are not always able to help us deal with the grieving process. As much as they may want to help and support, if they haven’t experienced the loss as well they may not know how to meet your needs.

It is circumstances like this that require some outside assistance. While many people feel that there is a negative stigma attached to reaching out for professional help, there is no truth to that myth, especially in cases of grief. When you have lost someone close to you, there is no reason why you should be able to simply “snap out of it” on your own. However, if you are going to be able to move forward and rebuild your life it is important that you seek out help when the pain becomes too much for you to handle on your own.

There are a number of ways to get outside assistance. If you would feel more comfortable talking with a grief counselor or other mental health professional about your individual feelings and circumstances, often times churches or doctors’ offices can recommend good resources. Some people feel more comfortable confiding in a single person. However, there are a lot of benefits to be gained from being a part of a support group. Meeting and talking with people who have faced similar losses can help you to feel as though you are not alone and connect with people who can truly say that they understand what you are going through. Support groups can take place virtually on the internet, or they can meet in person in community centers and local churches. Again, your doctor or church may have information about the groups in your area. Also, an internet search can help you find where these support groups are meeting locally