Grief Resources:

Events and Print/Multimedia

Bereavement Retreat

Saturday, June 11, 2011

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

at the Centering Space, 14812 Lake Ave., Lakewood, OH

44107 (Located between Lakewood Park and Lakewood Catholic Academy)

Led by Betsy Knestrick

"Each step through the darkness of grief leads to a healing light."

In your light we see light. ~Psalm 36

Reservations a must! Space is limitd. Call 216-228-7451 for more information and for reservations.

www.centeringspace.org

A Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine Collaborative Ministry.

Ongoing Grief Resources:

Fairview Hospital
Bereavement Support Group
Offers support for families and friends who have lost a loved one.
Second Thursday of every month – walk in, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Fairview Hospital Wellness Center, Room 100, 3035 Wooster Road, Rocky River
For more information call Kendall Lancaster, Hospice of Cleveland Clinic 216.444.9819
 

Fairview Hospital
Six-Week Bereavement Support Group Series
Offers help, education and sharing for caregivers, friends and family members
who have lost their loved ones.
Series offered March, July and November
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (twice a year); 6:30 – 8 p.m. (once a year)
Fairview Hospital Wellness Center, 3035 Wooster Road, Rocky River
To register call Kendall Lancaster, Hospice of Cleveland Clinic 216.444.9819

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Print and Multimedia Resources

Grief Recovery Institute Website

http://www.grief-recovery.com/index.html

Check out the "Helpful Articles" link at the top of the Home page.

Good Grief:  A Constructive Approach to the Problem of Loss

A classic resource, this book describes what happens to us whenever we lose someone or something important. It can be used over the years as individuals encounter a wider variety of grief experiences or as they assist friends in moving beyond grief to good grief. Examines the stages of grief, from stage one - a state of shock - to stage ten - a struggle to affirm reality.

Order from Cokesbury Bookstore at http://www.cokesbury.com/search.aspx?pid=060116

Article: Coping with Grief: What Is Grief?

Grief occurs in response to the loss of someone or something very dear to us. Grief is a natural response to this loss. Losses that might lead to grief include the death or separation of a loved one, the loss of a job, death or loss of a beloved pet, or any number of other changes in life such as divorce, "empty nest syndrome," or retirement. Anyone can experience grief and loss, but each person is unique in how he or she experiences these feelings. People respond to loss in many ways. Some of these responses are healthy coping mechanisms, while others might hinder the grieving process.

The acknowledgment of grief helps to promote the healing process. Time and support facilitate the grieving process, allowing an opportunity for a person to appropriately mourn a loss.

Common reactions to grief or loss
Individuals might react to grief or loss in a variety of ways. The stages of grief reflect a variety of reactions that might surface as an individual tries to make sense of how a loss affects him or her. An important part of the healing process is allowing oneself to experience and accept all feelings that are experienced. The following are the stages of grief:

* Denial, numbness, and shock—This stage serves to protect the individual from experiencing the intensity of the loss. It might be useful when the grieving person must take action (such as making funeral arrangements). Numbness is a normal reaction to an immediate loss and should not be confused with "lack of caring." As the individual slowly acknowledges the impact of the loss, denial and disbelief will diminish.
* Bargaining—This stage might involve persistent thoughts about what could have been done to prevent the loss. People can become preoccupied about ways that things could have been better. If this stage is not properly resolved, intense feelings of remorse or guilt might interfere with the healing process.
* Depression—This stage of grief occurs in some people after they realize the true extent of the loss. Signs of depression include sleep and appetite disturbances, a lack of energy and concentration, and crying spells. A person might feel loneliness, emptiness, isolation, and self-pity.
* Anger—This reaction usually occurs when an individual feels helpless and powerless. Anger can stem from a feeling of abandonment through a loved one’s death. An individual might be angry at a higher power or toward life in general.
* Acceptance—In time, an individual might be able to come to terms with various feelings and accept the fact that the loss has occurred. Healing can begin once the loss becomes integrated into the individual’s set of life experiences.

Remember, throughout a person’s lifetime, he or she might return to some of the earlier stages of grief. There is no time limit to the grieving process. Each individual should define his or her own healing process.

Factors that might hinder the healing process
Some factors might hinder the healing process following a loss. These can include:

* Overworking oneself on the job
* Medicating with drugs, alcohol, or other substances/compulsive behaviors
* Avoiding emotions
* Minimizing feelings

Factors that might help resolve grief
An individual can help to resolve grief by:

* Allowing time to experience thoughts and feelings openly to self
* Expressing feelings openly or writing journal entries about them
* Remembering that crying can provide a release
* Confiding in a trusted person about the loss
* Acknowledging and accepting both positive and negative feelings
* Finding bereavement groups in which there are other people who have had similar losses
* Seeking professional help if feelings become overwhelming

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