Grief is a very personal journey. Every person experiences it differently, and every person experiences each loss in different ways. With some losses, you may be able to navigate through your grief independently. Other losses may hit differently, manifesting as long-lasting depression or worse. You may benefit from grief support if you experience some of the signs below.
Do I need grief support?
Grief support provides emotional support, validation, and education about the grieving process. Here are a few signs that you may benefit from additional support.
Do you feel like you can’t move on?
There is no timeline to grief, but if you feel like you will never be able to adjust to a new reality without your loved one, you’re having trouble resuming normal daily activities. Then you may have complicated grief. Speaking with a grief support counselor can help and provide much-needed support.
Loneliness is an emotional state in which a person experiences a powerful feeling of emptiness and isolation. Loneliness is more than the feeling of wanting company or wanting to do something with another person. Loneliness is a feeling of being cut off, disconnected and alienated from other people.
dailystrength.org
This is a Journey, not an event.
The process is experienced uniquely by each individual. Upon losing a loved one, you will experience a period of bereavement. During this time, a wide range of emotions can be felt, which is normal. The source of these emotions is often different among individuals, but the substance (how we feel) of grief contains common elements. Varco Hospice is here to help through unexpected turns and insights.
The Varco Grief Support System
- Grief support is provided for a minimum of 13 months following the death of a patient.
- Every journey is unique, and services are tailored to the individual.
- One-on-one counseling is available by Medical Social Workers and Spiritual Care Providers (Chaplains) who have received specialized training on the process.
- Bereavement Volunteers, under the supervision of a Grief Counselor are available for additional support.
- Our bereavement mailer series is available for those who choose to receive them.
- Special support groups are offered to provide community assistance during the holiday season.
- Seven-week support groups are offered multiple times throughout the year.
- A Celebration of Life occurs at the end of each group to honor and celebrate a loved one
Are you avoiding your grief?
When we avoid processing grief, we may seem fine on the outside, but we can only hold that pain at bay for so long. It will eventually return, often when we least expect it. If you are avoiding friends and family or overworking to avoid thinking about your loss, a grief support counselor can help you process your emotions in a safe environment.
Are you experiencing Changes in weight or sleep patterns? These changes can signify that your body is struggling to handle things. A support specialist can help you better process your emotions.
Are you using drugs or alcohol to cope? Drugs and alcohol are another way of avoiding grief by numbing the pain. However, not only will this lead to a need to process these emotions further down the road, but it can also cause adverse health effects, create dependence, or lead to even more dangerous substances. Grief support can provide healthier tools for managing pain.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
SAMSHA.gov
Symptoms of depression
There is a difference between sadness and depression. If your feelings of grief include guilt, low self-esteem, isolation, or a lack of interest in things that once brought enjoyment, you may benefit from grief support.
How Varco Hospice and Home Health can help
We offer complimentary Grief Recovery Groups in all the areas, we serve. Please contact us to speak to a bereavement coordinator for more information. Click here to learn more.
Please share this information with your network and community if you find it helpful.
Grief support after losing a loved one is helpful for the family and loved one to recover from the loss. People experiencing acute grief interact with those who are much more healed. My cousin became a widow at an early age, and I can't imagine the pain she felt since the death was sudden, and they are just starting their marriage. We pray that with the support she gets from the group that tried to help her, she will recover faster from the grief.