YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Grief may be experienced in response to physical losses, such as death, or in response to symbolic or social losses such as divorce or loss of a job. The grief experience can be affected by one’s history and support system. Taking care of yourself and accessing the support of friends and family can help you cope with your grief experience.
There is no right way to grieve. It is an individual process and a natural part of life. Life won’t be the same after a loss, but experiencing your grief will allow you to adjust to life after loss.
Grief lasts as long as it takes to adjust to the changes in your life after your loss. It can be for months, or even years. Grief has no timetable; thoughts, emotions, behaviors and other responses may come and go.
As part of our team we have Ministers and experience Chaplains who volunteer their time and bring support to those families that need it.
WHAT IS GRIEF?
Grief is the uncontrollable and natural reaction to the death of someone to whom you feel connected, or attached. Your relationship may have felt secure (loving, respectful), or insecure (ambivalent, unpredictable). Either way, when you feel connected to someone, you will experience grief after their death.
THE GRIEF PROCESS
Experts advise those grieving to realize they can't control the process and to prepare for varying stages of grief. Understanding why they're suffering can help, as can talking to others and trying to resolve issues that cause significant emotional pain, such as feeling guilty for a loved one's death.
Mourning can last for months or years. Generally, pain is tempered as time passes and as the bereaved adapts to life without a loved one, to the news of a terminal diagnosis or to the realization that someone they love may die.
GRIEF COUNSELING
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Recovery from loss is achieved by a series of small and correct choices made by the Griever.
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Sadly, most of us have not been given the necessary information with which to make correct choices in response to a loss.
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Recovery means feeling better.
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Recovery is finding new meaning for living, without the fear of being hurt again.
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Recovery is being able to enjoy fond memories without having them turn painful.
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Recovery is acknowledging that it is perfectly all right to feel sad from time to time and to talk about those feelings no matter how those around you react.
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Most importantly, recovery means acquiring the skills we should have been taught as a child. These skills allow us to deal with loss directly.
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Recovering from a significant emotional loss is not an easy task. Taking the actions that lead to recovery will require your attention, open-mindedness, willingness, and courage.
ACCEPTING A LOSS
Let the Tears Flow
What is it about tears we are afraid of? It is human to cry. Crying helps you to heal. Cry with friends, family, and alone. Don’t be surprised when the grief “freight train” runs over you. Just be in the moment, and it will pass. Struggle through your emotions and you will find relief as your reward.
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“…weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
Psalm 30:5
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“…a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
Ecclesiastes 3:4
God has planned a path for you
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You will travel the path on your own, with God to help if you choose. Don’t compare your path with someone else. Other people’s paths may cross or run nearby, but only you can take steps on your path. Only you can choose to see the beauty around your current location and enjoy your journey. There may be amazing drops to deep valleys, but keep looking forward and take it one step at a time.
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“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4
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“Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.”
Psalm 119:35
You matter. You’re here for a reason. You have a purpose. And you’re not alone. No matter what you’re feeling, what you’re thinking or what you’ve been through … there is hope.
It’s no secret that life is hard. It can leave us feeling heartbroken and hopeless. At times of depression and despair, suicidal thoughts can occur. This is when we need to reach out for help.
If you are having suicidal thoughts or you know a suicidal person, there is help available. We are here for you and anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts. To talk with someone, please call the numbers above. We also have a free download with helpful information that can give you hope for a new day.
We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
You can stop suicidal thoughts
1-800-273-8255
Additional Support
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