When a loved one dies, it can feel overwhelming, confusing and exhausting. Grief is a normal response to loss. It can be all encompassing, affecting grievers in a variety of ways:

• Emotionally (sad, lonely, numb/shock, fearful, regretful, relief, anxious, depressed, angry, avoidance of painful reminders, yearning, etc.)

• Physically (exhaustion, changes in sleep or appetite, restlessness, aches and pains such as a “knot in the stomach” or “lump in the throat”, miss physical intimacy).

• Mentally or psychologically (confusion, difficulty concentrating, poor memory, painful visual images, mental fog, thinking and rethinking events/decisions/beliefs, may see/feel/dream of the deceased loved one, yearning, helplessness, hopelessness).

• Socially (decreased interest in social activities, may avoid people or activities. Others may avoid you, not understand you, be uncomfortable around you or say unhelpful things).

• Spiritually (ask “why”?, anger with higher power, question faith and way of viewing the world, search for meaning, make sense of the loss and grief).

Each person experiences grief in their own unique way and time and therefore needs to follow their own unique path to healing and coming to terms with the loss. We offer a safe and non-judgmental space to express feelings, learn to manage grief and begin to feel hopeful about the future.