Grief Support Groups

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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Running from my grief. I am not silent or still long enough to let it in.
But the fullness of existence is facing both life and death, and taking the risks involved in that confrontation.
To have loved you is to have opened up to a willingness to feel your loss.
This is the time of reckoning. I must stop to feel my sorrow.

Molly Fumia, Safe Passage

What is Grief?

Grief is a deep and painful distress we experience following the death of someone we love.
Grief is individual - everyone grieves in their own way.
Grief is unpredictable. it affects us mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually and socially.
Grief can make you feel crazy. Every emotion is let loose and comes flooding in, eroding any sense of balance.
Grief is normal - it is a natural response to tremendous loss in our lives.
Grief is healing. It is our only means to accept what is and to find healing and new life.
Grief is necessary. The only way through grief is through grief. It must be faces and dealt with.

Announcements for Grief Support Groups

"Healing Journey"

"Healing Journey" is a 6 session support group program for adults, teens and children who have experienced the death of a loved one due to illness, accident, suicide, etc. It is designed to provide understanding of the grief process while at the same time offering support through the sharing of stories with others who are struggling with the darkness of grief.

The journey of grief is a hard road to travel, it hurts. Sometimes it feels like you cannot cope. It helps to know that others share the same pain, the same feelings, the same struggle. People say you should be “over it by now”, you may be angry, full of blame or guilt. Come talk, share feelings, listen, and learn that you are not alone. The support of group members and facilitators will help you understand that grief process and walk with you on your journey to healing. Support groups help you understand your feelings and give you a place to tell your story with those who share similar feelings without being judged.

If you think you would like to join us in the Healing Journey sessions, please email Helen Haegerich at St. Mary of Vernon. Include your name, address and telephone number. You may also call Helen at St. Mary of Vernon, 236 U.S. Hwy. 45, Indian Creek, Illinois 60061. (847)362-1005, Extension 215.

"Take My Hand" Group Support Sessions for Children

Children grieve as deeply as adults. One misconception is that children will “get over it” because they are young. The reality is that children do not know that they are grieving or know how to “get over” their grief. Oftentimes their grief shows up years later and causes problems in school and/or at home.

Children need help to deal with their loss of a family member or friend by trained facilitators. One way for children to get help is to join a children’s grief support group. St. Mary of Vernon offers “Take My Hand”, a grief support group for children ages 6-12. This support group helps them understand that their feelings are normal and that other children have the same feelings.

A support group provides a safe place for children to express their feelings and discuss them in a casual manner with facilitators and other children. They learn ways of coping with their feelings and adjusting to changes in their lives.

If you have a child or know of a child who could benefit from the "Take My Hand" program, please call or e-mail Helen Haegerich at St. Mary of Vernon. Dates for the meetings have not been planned. Dates and times will depend on availability of the children. The group meets for six one and one-half hour sessions. We will need a minimum of 4 children registered for the group.

Benefits of Support Groups for Adults, Teens and Children

Talking about grief is essential to the healing process. We are able to share feelings and experiences without feeling weird or crazy.
We feel safe and able to express our emotions, whatever they may be. Sharing and airing what's inside us relieves built-up pressure, anger, anxiety and depression. Growth occurs as we realize we are not alone. There are others whose lives have been rocked by similar losses.

Friendships are formed. We feel less isolated from the rest of the world, which seems to go on in spite of our loss. A nurturing, loving and caring community evolves as we gain strength from the support group and in turn give strength back.

We learn from others and they learn from us.

Documents for Grief Support Groups

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St. Mary of Vernon Catholic Church, 236 US Hwy 45, Indian Creek, Illinois 60061, (847)362-1005