Grief Support

Stage 1

Support Groups & Online Resources

Griefshare

A network of local support groups where people who have experienced loss meet weekly to work through grief together. Find a group near you at griefshare.org.

The compassionate friends

Specifically for parents, grandparents, and siblings who have lost a child. Local chapters meet regularly and offer a community of people who understand what that particular loss feels like. compassionatefriends.org

Helping Children Through Loss

When a child loses someone, they need honesty more than protection. Most kids understand more than adults expect, and being left out of what is happening can be harder than being included.

A few things that help:



• Use plain language. Say "died" rather than "passed away" or "gone to sleep." Children take words literally and vague language creates confusion.
• Let them ask questions and answer honestly, even when the answer is "I don't know."
• Include them in the service if they want to be there. Being part of saying goodbye can help.
• Watch for changes in behavior in the weeks that follow — acting out, withdrawal, trouble sleeping. These are normal responses to grief.

For more guidance, the Sesame Workshop grief resource at sesamestreet.org/grief is one of the best plain language tools available for parents of young children.

365 Days of healing or Tukios equivalent

There will most likely be a period where you feel empty inside. This is the state of depression. This stage may feel like it will never end, and the pain will last forever. Struggling to wonder if it is worth going on in life, questioning life itself. You must understand that depression is the most common coping mechanism for loss. To not feel depressed after losing someone you care about would be unusual. Accepting that your loved one will not be coming back is a very difficult concept to understand, you must be strong and push forward.