Grief Support Resources

Grief is the natural emotional response to loss. It can affect every part of your life — your emotions, your body, your thinking, your relationships, and your sense of meaning. There is no timeline for grief, and it does not follow a predictable path. Some days may feel manageable, and others may feel overwhelming. Both experiences are normal.

Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross introduced five commonly referenced stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. While these stages can provide a helpful framework, most grief experts today emphasize that grief is not linear. You may experience these feelings in any order, revisit stages, or feel several at once. The goal is not to “get through” the stages but to find ways to carry your loss while still engaging with life.

While grief is a normal response to loss, sometimes it becomes more than a person can manage alone. Consider reaching out to a mental health professional if you experience any of the following for an extended period:

• •Persistent feelings of hopelessness or that life is not worth living
• •Inability to perform daily tasks such as going to work, caring for children, or maintaining basic hygiene
• •Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances to cope
• •Intense guilt, anger, or bitterness that does not subside over time
• •Withdrawal from all social contact for weeks or months
• •Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

A licensed therapist, counselor, or psychologist who specializes in grief and bereavement can provide a safe space to process your emotions and develop personalized coping strategies. Many offer virtual sessions, making help accessible from anywhere.

Support groups connect you with others who understand what you are going through. Hearing other people's stories can reduce the isolation that often accompanies grief and provide practical advice from those who have walked a similar path.

• GriefShare — A faith-based grief recovery program offered at churches and community centers nationwide. Find a group at griefshare.org.
• The Compassionate Friends — Support for families who have experienced the death of a child, at any age. Local chapters meet throughout the U.S. Visit compassionatefriends.org.
• TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) — Free support for anyone grieving the death of a military service member. Visit taps.org.
• Local hospice organizations — Many hospice providers offer free bereavement support groups open to anyone in the community, not just former hospice families.

Children grieve differently than adults, and their understanding of death changes as they develop. Here are some guidelines for supporting a grieving child:

• •Be honest and age-appropriate. Use clear, simple language. Avoid euphemisms like “passed away” or “went to sleep” with very young children, as these can cause confusion or fear.
• •Reassure them. Children often worry that they caused the death or that other people they love will also die. Provide calm reassurance that they are safe and loved.
• •Maintain routines. School, meals, bedtime — familiar routines provide a sense of security during an unsettled time.
• •Let them participate. If appropriate, allow children to attend the funeral or memorial service. Give them a role, such as drawing a picture or choosing a flower, to help them feel included.
• •Watch for behavioral changes. Regression (bedwetting, clinginess), acting out, declining grades, or withdrawal can all be signs that a child needs additional support. A child psychologist or school counselor can help.

Holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries can intensify grief. The absence of your loved one feels particularly acute during times that once brought togetherness and joy. Here are some ways to navigate these difficult seasons:

• •Plan ahead — decide which traditions you want to keep, which you want to modify, and which you may want to skip this year.
• •Create a new tradition that honors your loved one, such as lighting a memorial candle at the dinner table or making a donation in their name.
• •Give yourself permission to leave events early or decline invitations without guilt.
• •Communicate your needs to family and friends so they can support you rather than inadvertently adding pressure.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to one of these free, confidential resources available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: