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Grief Support Groups

At some time, all of us will experience the loss of a spouse, family member, or close friend, either unexpectedly or from natural causes. Grief is a natural response to the loss of someone or something important to you. You can also experience grief with the loss of a pet, job, friendship, relocation, or the onset of a chronic illness. Although everyone grieves differently, some have a more difficult time than others. People may experience a range of emotions, such as sadness or loneliness. If you have experienced a loss and are feeling sad and unable to enjoy your life, it’s important to understand your emotions, take care of yourself, and seek support so you can heal.

A grief support group can offer emotional support and connection from others who have experienced a loss, as well as validation and education about grief. Grief support groups are an excellent way to meet others who are going through a similar situation. Sometimes, people think attending a support group will be too awkward or embarrassing, and they may even be convinced that no one would understand the depths of their grief. It is important to remember that there are always others who will understand. When you attend a support group, not only will others understand what you are going through, but you will also learn new coping skills. Attending meetings will give you the opportunity to share your feelings without judgment and help you recover from your loss.

There is no “normal” amount of time to grieve. The grieving process depends on your personality, age, beliefs, type of loss, and support network. Hopefully, with time, the sadness will ease, and you will be able to enjoy life again amidst the grief.

If your grief does not get better or if you have a hard time accepting the loss, have a difficult time resuming your “normal” routine, feel depressed, or have thoughts that life isn’t worth living, you need to seek professional help from a healthcare provider or a licensed therapist. Prescription medications can help alleviate depression, and a licensed therapist can help you explore your emotions, teach coping skills, and assist in managing your grief.

If you are grieving a loss, consider these activities to help alleviate the pain:

  • Give yourself time. Accept your feelings and know that grieving is a process.
  • Talk to others. Spend time with friends and family; don’t isolate yourself.
  • Take care of yourself. Exercise regularly, eat well, and get enough sleep to stay healthy and energized.
  • Return to your hobbies. Resume activities that bring you joy or take up a new hobby that you have always wanted to try!
  • Join a support group. Speak with others who are also grieving, which can help you feel more connected. There are in-person and online support groups available. Some groups are time-limited, while others are open-ended. Everyone experiences grief differently, so don’t expect your grief to be resolved in a certain timeframe. You may need more time, and that’s okay!

Anyone who has experienced a loss is invited to the Grief Support Group Series at St. Therese of Lisieux, facilitated by the Health Ministry and held every Tuesday from September 23 to November 18 from 1 to 2:30 PM. If you are interested in attending, please contact the parish office at 586-254-4433 or Marilyn Cito, Parish Nurse, at 586-254-4433 Ext. 320 or marilync@stol.church. Both new attendees and those who have previously attended are welcome!

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