A grief support group offers a way for those who are dealing with grief related to the illness or death of a loved one to communicate how they are feeling and ways to cope in a healthy and beneficial manner. A grief support group can benefit everyone dealing with grief, but there are signs that indicate an increased need for additional support that are helpful to understand.
What Is A Grief Support Group?
A grief support group is a form of group therapy that provides an outlet to discuss your personal grief with others who are in a similar situation and understand what you are going through in a way that others might not fully understand. This is particularly used for dealing with the passing of a loved one.
When Should I Consider A Grief Support Group?
Most notably, you should consider a grief support group if you are feeling isolated with your grief, experiencing a range of emotions, do not feel you have a healthy coping strategy, feel unable to communicate with loved ones about what you are going through, or you are feeling depressed.
You Feel Isolated With Your Grief
One of the worst feelings someone with grief can experience is isolation. Feeling isolated and as if there is no one else to turn to can make grief feel much stronger and last longer than it would if you were surrounded by others who can offer support.
Even in the best of times, fighting away feelings of isolation can be challenging, and the pandemic has multiplied this challenge. Fortunately, grief support groups offer a great way to meet with others and discuss your experience, emotions, and coping methods with others who are dealing with similar situations.
You Are Experiencing Emotional Highs And Lows
It is normal to experience triggers that send you into a more depressive state and to have other moments in the midst of your grief where you are happy and feeling better. Additionally, some may experience a wider range of emotions, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve.
However, if you are experiencing sudden extreme low moments (e.g. mental breakdowns at seemingly random moments), then it can help to meet with a grief support group to discuss your emotions and find effective and beneficial ways to cope during your grief.
You Do Not Feel You Have a Healthy Coping Strategy in Place
Everyone copes with grief and tragedy in their own way, and there is no one right way to cope. However, there are ways of coping that are not as healthy or effective, such as the use of medication or recreational drugs, which only mask the feelings of grief and do not help the person accept the experience and overcome the sadness they may feel.
Subsequently, for those who feel they may not be coping in a way that is beneficial or healthy, attending a grief support group can help. In a grief support group, each member gets the opportunity to discuss how they cope and learn from others who may have had success with a coping mechanism that the individual has not tried.
You Feel Uncomfortable Or Unable To Communicate With Loved Ones
As discussed, feelings of loneliness or isolation can make feelings of grief much worse. Many, especially those who have a harder time opening up about their emotions and experiences, actually feel more comfortable expressing themselves to others they may not know as well than they do to their close loved ones.
In other cases, the individual may feel as if their loved one is not able to understand what they are going through. This is where a grief support group can be helpful. A grief support group can provide an outlet for those who may feel as if they do not have a loved one they feel comfortable opening to or are unable to open up to a loved one for another reason.
Your Grief Turns to Extreme Sadness or Depression
Sadness is normal when dealing with the death of a loved one. However, extreme sadness and depression, especially when they last for an extended amount of time, are a much more serious concern that requires additional support to work through. A grief support group helps those who may have a harder time overcoming the strong sad emotions that dealing with the death of a loved one can evoke.
How Can I Get Started With A Grief Support Group?
Harbor Light Hospice offers care services for patients that have a terminal illness. If you or a loved one is in need of hospice care and want to learn more about your options and the benefits of hospice care from Harbor Light Hospice, then give us a call or send us a message today.