Best Greif support services after the funeral

Sometimes it can be difficult to know how to offer support to a grieving relative, friend or colleague. We may be afraid of saying the wrong thing, so we don’t say anything, which can leave the bereaved feeling isolated and alone.

If you haven’t experienced the death of a loved one, you may have unrealistic expectations of how the bereaved person should feel, or how quickly they should be able to return to activities of daily living or move on with their lives. Should.

There are many things you can do or say to help, but remember that everyone experiences grief differently. Some of your ideas and suggestions may be appropriate and some may not. If you’re not sure how to help a grieving person, ask them to tell you what they need or want. Just letting them know you care and want to help can be very comforting.

A look at the 10 best online grief support groups

• Best for all losses: shared grief
• Best for the loss of a sibling or child: Compassionate friends
• Best for young adults: Heal grief while actively moving forward.
• Best Social Media Based Group: Grief Anonymous
• Best for Pregnancy and Child Loss: First Candle
• Best for twin loss: Twinless twins
• Best for Losing a Spouse: Soaring Spirit International Widows Village
• Best for post-suicide damage: Heartbeat

Best for Cancer-Related Loss: Cancer Care

Best for Pet Loss: The Anti-Cruelty Society Working Through Pet Loss

The death of a loved one is often one of life’s most stressful experiences. Grief affects everyone in its own way. For some people, connecting with others and sharing their stories helps them cope with their loss.

Support groups are not for everyone. But 2019 research suggests they can help slow the grieving process and reduce symptoms of depression for some people.

Asking for help can be a difficult step. Read on to find out how online grief support groups can help you cope and our pick of the best online grief support groups.

What are grief support groups?

Grief and bereavement support groups can also help you connect with people who are dealing with the loss of a loved one. According to a 2022 review, being part of a grief support group can help you feel less alone and can also help you learn coping skills.

The structure of support groups can vary from group to group, but they usually take the form of:

• Virtual group meetings
• One-on-one chat rooms
• Online public discussion forums
• Private online forums
• Personal events

Attending a grief support group session can help you connect with other people who are dealing with grief.Grief support groups do not replace professional care for the depression and anxiety that can accompany grief. However, they can offer support in addition to what a mental health professional provides.Online grief support groups are not a substitute for emergency services. In the event of a mental health emergency – if you or someone you know is thinking about suicide or self-harm – you can:

How did we choose?

We assessed popular virtual grief support groups to find active communities that provide a safe place for people to come to terms with their loss. We searched for communities that support different types of loss and a variety of resources to create a list that meets many loss-related needs.

All of the support groups featured in this article have also been reviewed and approved by our team of mental health experts, which includes psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and therapists.

Our team ensures that brands meet Healthline’s rigorous standards and evaluates brands based on clinical credibility, business practices and social impact.

However, keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive. If one of these groups doesn’t resonate with you, there are more options available to help you grieve.

If you’re looking for an in-person support group, try searching for “grief support groups” and the name of your city or town for local options.

• Healthline’s picks for the 10 best online grief support groups
• Excellent for all losses
• Sadness in general
• Price: $9.99 per year for live chat, $85 for individual video sessions, $25 for general grief group sessions
• Why we chose it: Common Grief provides support to people experiencing all types of loss. In addition to offering a variety of free features, you can also participate in individual and group sessions for an additional fee.

• It was designed to connect people with common grief to others with similar losses.

• When you sign up, you create a profile that tells you who you lost and how you lost them. You are added to a chat room with people who have similar experiences.

• The site’s forums, tribute pages, match feature, and resources page are free to use. The fee to use the live chat feature is $0.99 per month or $9.99 for a full year.

• If that’s not cost-effective for you, the site offers to waive the fee so everyone can access the help they need.

• Grief in Common also offers virtual grief coaching sessions and offers a free 15-minute individual session for the first time.

• Other individual and group coaching sessions cost: $85 for 55-minute individual video sessions and $25 for 2-hour general grief therapy group sessions.

Pros:

• There are many free features available.
• Offers individual and group sessions.
• Includes live chat with people experiencing similar losses.

Cons

• Additional cost for some features
• Perfect for the loss of a sibling or child
• Compassionate friend
• Price: Free
• Why we chose it: This free support group provides a wealth of resources not only for those who have children.

How to support a bereaved person in the first few days?

Tips for helping a bereaved person in the first few days include:

Contact the bereaved as soon as possible after the death of a loved one. This contact can be a personal visit, telephone call, text message, sympathy card or flowers.

If possible, attend a funeral or memorial service. They need to know that you care enough to help them through this difficult time.

• Offer your support and ask them how they would like you to support them.
• If they want to open up to you, listen to them and try to suspend all judgment.
• Grief is not something you can ‘fix’

It’s a natural reaction when we know someone wants to fix things for them. After the death of a loved one, however, the reality is that you cannot ‘fix’ their grief. There is nothing you can say that will make a bereaved person feel better about their loss. But there are things you can do to provide comfort and support for them during this difficult time.

Listen with the compassion of a bereaved person.

The most important help you can offer is a willing ear. Allow the bereaved person to talk and express their grief in any way necessary. This includes crying, throwing tantrums, yelling, laughing, expressing guilt or regret, or engaging in activities that reduce their stress, such as walking or gardening.

Some things to consider:

• Focus your efforts on attentive listening and compassionate listening.
• Everyone’s grief experience is unique, so let them grieve in their own way. Don’t judge or dispute your loved one’s reaction to their death. Criticizing the way they express their grief is hurtful and may make them less likely to share their thoughts and feelings with you.
• If they don’t like to talk, don’t push them. Remember that you are comforting them just by being there and sitting together in silence is also helpful.
• Don’t forget the power of human contact. Holding the person’s hand or giving them a hug can help, but make sure you’re okay with them first.
• Practical help for the grieving person
• You can show the grieving person you care by offering practical help, such as:
• Do some of their household chores, such as cleaning or laundry.
• Bring along pre-cooked meals that only need to be reheated before serving.
• Answer the telephone for them.
• Take over some of their routine duties, such as picking up the children from school.
• Remember that they do not want you to support them in this way and respect their requests.
• Coping with the bereaved person

Avoidance methods include:

• Talking about your grief experience instead of listening to them
• Comparing their grief to your own or someone else’s
• Telling them they are grieving the ‘wrong’ way.
• Giving them unsolicited advice about how they can manage their grief.
• Reasoning with them about how they should or shouldn’t feel.
• Comments to avoid
• It is a natural reaction to want to reduce the pain of a person. However, well-meaning words that encourage the bereaved to ‘look on the bright side’ can be painful.

Types of comments that should be avoided include:

• ‘You will marry again one day.’
• ‘At least you have other children.’
• ‘She is lucky to have lived to such a ripe old age.’
• ‘It was God’s will.’
• ‘You can always try for another child.’
• ‘He is happy in heaven.’
• ‘Thank goodness they don’t hurt anymore.’
• ‘Try to remember the good times.’
• ‘You’ll feel better soon.’
• ‘Time heals all wounds.’
• ‘Count your blessings. You still have a lot to be thankful for.’
• ‘You have to pull yourself together and be strong.’
• ‘I know exactly how you feel.’
• ‘Everything happens for a reason.’
• Grief over time
• Grief is a process, not an event. There’s no timeline, and it’s not unusual for grief to be felt for a long time — whether it’s months, years, or even decades after the person’s death.
• Some things to consider:
• Do not avoid the bereaved after the funeral. Stay in touch, even just by phone.

Never suggest that it’s time to ‘get over it’ and move on with life.

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Although grief can affect individuals in different ways, connecting with others to share stories, experiences, and offers and to receive support can help with the grieving process. Online support groups, many of which offer interaction through forums, message boards, chat, or even in-person gatherings and events, are a safe, supportive place to learn coping skills and find community. can offer

These grief support groups are not a substitute for professional care for depression, which may share similar grief symptoms. With depression, getting a diagnosis and getting treatment from a doctor and/or therapist is important and can be life-saving. But talking through grief with others who have gone through similar situations can help you on the path to healing.

7 Best Online Grief Support Groups of 2021

• Best Overall: Grieving.com
• Best Live Chat: Common in Grief
• Best for Teens: Hope Again
• Best Social Media Group: Grief Anonymous
• Best for specific grief: Online grief support
• Best for email support: Graphnet
• Best Monitoring Discussion Group: Grief Healing
• The best online grief support groups
• Our top picks
• sad.com
• A common grief
• Hope again.
• Grief anonymous
• Online grief support
• Graphnet
• Cure for grief
• See more (4)
• Final decision
• Compare online grief support groups.
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Membership Fee: Free
• Structure: Forums, Chat, Journals, Resources
• Why we chose it: One of the first and largest online support groups, Grieving.com has a variety of forums so participants can connect and share experiences.

Pros:

• Big community

• Support and communities for different types of loss

• Private messages

Cons

• Membership registration is required.

• Founded in 1997, Grieving.com is one of the oldest grief support communities on the Internet, helping a quarter of a million people in more than 100 countries.

• Grieving.com is a judgment-free zone focused on helping people going through loss connect with others who understand what they’re going through. They provide a variety of forums, ranging from general loss discussions to more specific issues, such as parental loss.

The site offers forums where members can read and post messages at any time of the day or night. While there are moderators on the site, the group is not run by a mental health professional. In addition to forums, the site also includes “circles,” where members can connect on very specific topics. One such circle is called “Death Row Families”.

Discussion posts are open to the public. However, individuals can only view 15 pages of content before becoming a member. Once users reach the page limit, the pages are blocked until they sign up for the service.

Members can also send each other private messages, which can be helpful for individuals who are not comfortable sharing their stories publicly or to help people with shared experiences connect privately.

Grieving.com also offers a marketplace where they share products and services that can help with healing. Their website states that everyone is welcome to join their forums.

Grieving.com is free to its members and relies on donations to help keep it that way. The site only suggests a donation of a dollar or two per person to help them continue their mission to keep their grieving communities connected.

• Best live chat
• Sadness in general
• Sadness in general
• Sign up now
• Key details

• Membership fee: Free, but live chat participation is about $10 per year.
• Structure: Forums, Groups and Coaching, Live Chat, Blog and Resources
• Why we chose it: With Grieving in Common, members can connect with others privately via live chat.

Pros:

• User friendly interface

• Ability to browse profiles

• Live chat is available.

Cons

• Additional fee for participating in live chat

• Grief in Common aims to provide a space for people to feel validated and understood as they talk about their experience of loss. The site is networked with people who have experienced similar losses, so individuals can contact them privately.

To sign up, create a profile that describes the circumstances surrounding your loss. Then, join a chat room to find people who have gone through similar experiences.

Grief in Common offers a live chat room that allows users to connect with others at any time. The participation fee is about $1 per month or about $10 a year. They report that their fees cover the cost of hosting the site and eliminate the need for advertising.

Individuals who would rather chat with someone in real time than leave a message on a forum can appreciate the chat room function of this website.

• Grief anonymous
• Grief anonymous
• Sign up now
• Key details

• Membership Fee: Free
• Composition: Facebook group
• Why we chose it: Grief Anonymous offers 24/7 online support that caters to members for all types of grief.

Pros:

• Open to individuals who need support for different types of grief.

• Big community

• 24/7 support

Cons

• A Facebook account is required.

• Grief Anonymous provides access to Facebook groups that allow users to connect with other people and talk about their experiences day and night. Their original group, the Grief Anonymous Family Group, has nearly 9,000 members and allows people to talk about all kinds of grief.

• With over 30,000 members, Grief Anonymous has clear rules of engagement to ensure members are supported in their healing efforts. They also offer over 20 grief-specific groups.

• Avid Facebook users can enjoy this option best, as users will not need to join any additional website to connect with others. Instead, they can incorporate it into their regular social media usage.

• Just keep in mind that most Facebook groups can be joined by anyone and the information shared can be read by anyone in the group. And, while the groups are moderated, it is unlikely that licensed mental health professionals moderate them.

• At the same time, Grief Anonymous also offers the option of facilitating live meetings. Individuals and organizations who prefer to meet face-to-face can find local groups in their community or start their own.

Best for specific grief

• Online grief support
• Online grief support
• Sign up now
• Key details

• Membership Fee: Free
• Structure: Forums, Groups, Chat, Blogs and Journals
• Why we chose it: Online grief support lets you easily connect with other people who have experienced specific types of grief through online forums.

Pros:

• Big community

• Provides support for specific types of grief.

• User friendly interface

Cons

• The talks are open to the public.

• Online Grief Support offers a variety of online forums. Users can chat in a general discussion group, or they can join communities for people who have experienced specific types of grief, such as the loss of a spouse, someone to cancer, a parent, or sudden death. loss

• The website also offers many helpful links and resources. There’s information about getting grief counseling, an online bookstore with recommended reading, and an online “healing center” with helpful product suggestions.

Joining a grief-specific group can be helpful for individuals who want to connect with people who better understand their experiences.

With over 14,000 members, Online Grief Support’s community guidelines are clear that they do not tolerate spam. But, it is important to note that discussions in the forum are open to the public. They recommend that users use nicknames as opposed to their real names when chatting.

• Key details

• Membership Fee: Suggested donation of $10 per month
• Structure: Email (Library of resources available on website)
• Why we chose it: Directed by a clinical psychologist and a certified traumatologist, GriefNet offers support via email.

Pros:

• Over 50 email support groups

• No need to create an additional account with a site.

• Established and directed by a psychologist

Cons

• Opt-in means that email information will be shared with other subscribers.

• GriefNet provides support through email messages rather than a website or forum. The site has more than 50 email support groups, providing grief support for both adults and children.

• Everyone on the email chain can reply to other subscribers. So, once their membership is confirmed they will be able to chat with other members.

This site offers support groups for the following types of grief: loss of a spouse or partner, widow with children, young widow, loss of a child, child who died in an accident, children to children, k2k-teens, and much more. . Opting in and responding to emails means that individuals’ information will be shared with anyone who has subscribed to the grief group.

GriefNet is directed by a clinical psychologist and a certified traumatologist and supported by volunteers. They request donations of about $10 a month for each group they subscribe to. However, if users are unable to pay, they can indicate that when they sign up for services.

Best moderated discussion group

• Cure for grief
• Grief healing discussion groups
• Sign up now
• Key details
• Membership Fee: Free, but donations are suggested.
• Structure: Forums and discussion groups
• Why we chose it: Grief Healing offers online support in a safe space — discussion groups are closely moderated to ensure the quality, safety and security of all participants.

Pros:

• Supervised conversations by certified grief counselors

• Blogs and resources available.

Cons

• The forums are open to the public.

• E of grief related articles and resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How are online support groups different from in-person groups?

Most personal support groups meet on a regular schedule, perhaps once a week or once a month. All members meet for an hour or two (on average) to talk about how they are doing and to share resources they find helpful. Online support groups typically allow members to communicate electronically at any time through forums or chats.

How do discussion forums work?

Many online support groups contain forums. Members can sometimes read other people’s messages, and they can write their own messages on community boards for others to read and respond to.

Who should attend a grief support group?

Anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one can find a grief support group helpful. Some communities offer specific forums or opportunities for people who have lost a pet. Others address specific issues, such as anticipatory grief, for example, which helps individuals dealing with pending death.

How do I know which website is best for me?

Individuals should consider their preferred method of communication. Are emails ideal, or would a forum be better? Also, consider whether a large or small community is ideal. It really depends on how well people want to get to know other members.

Finally, people should think about whether they want to join a general forum for people who have been harmed, or if they would prefer a more focused discussion with others dealing with specific issues. May be what they are dealing with.

Does it cost anything to join a grief group?

Most groups are free. Some of them charge a small fee that helps them keep up with their operating costs.

When should I see a mental health professional?

If grief is affecting a person’s ability to function, they should talk to their physician, or contact a mental health professional. For example, if they are missing work, can’t sleep, or feel depressed, treatment may be necessary. While a grief support group can be very helpful, there may be cases where they need to talk to a professional as well. 1

Procedures

We reviewed some of the most popular online grief support groups and discussion forums. We looked for communities that were active, offered a variety of resources, and supported their members.

We have selected forums that appear to be moderated in a way that prevents members from being exposed to bullying or spam. We also selected groups that offered a variety of forums, so that members could connect with individuals who could relate to their specific issues related to loss. We wanted to provide a list of groups that can meet a variety of grief-related needs.

Kek values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to bring you the best content. We may also earn a commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualified purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure.

Grief can be an isolating experience, especially as the days go by and those around you move on from the loss. You may feel that you are taking a greater toll than those around you and may not want to talk about it out loud.

Maybe you’ve tried an in-person grief support group and found that in-person conversations are too intense. On the other hand, you may really appreciate your personal grief support group and wish for more similar interactions online.

• Proceed to these sections:
• Best grief support groups for young adults
• Best grief support groups for someone whose parent has died.
• Best grief support groups for someone who has lost a sibling.
• The best grief support groups to join after the death of a spouse

Online grief support groups may be a good option for you, especially if you’ve squeezed as much out of books about death as you can. Various organizations sponsor forums, online sharing areas or group chats.

These are a great way for you to receive supportive comments and responses and to remind you that you are not alone. Here are some of the best online grief support groups to help you with grief.

Best grief support groups for young adults

Some groups devote their resources to helping grieving young adults. These groups specifically address this experience.

» MORE: Need help with funeral expenses? Create a free online memorial to collect donations.

. Actively moving through HealGrief

Actively Moving On is the young adult arm of a major grief support network called HellGrief. This group offers a variety of ways to share and find support during your grief journey. Young adults can join a Facebook group, a retreat for grieving young adults, and ways to remember those lost through good deeds.

One of HealGrief’s most innovative programs is a partnership with a text messaging service called GriefCoach. These personalized messages go to your support network. They help your network to offer you emotional support on difficult days, such as bereavement.

Hope Again UK

Hope Again UK offers the opportunity to create personalized video stories. Seeing and supporting other people sharing like this can be a real benefit.

When you’re grieving, you should remind yourself that other young people are going through it too.

What makes you sad? Webinars and podcasts

What are you sad about? Offers e-courses, podcasts, and articles about grief and loss. The organization is very active on social media and provides a place to connect through YouTube videos and Facebook Live streams.

It consists of personal training and online webinars. The goal is to be face-to-face with others who do the work of processing grief. WYG resources often help you navigate your grief journey and learn about ways to help others in the future.

Best grief support groups for someone whose parent has died.

Losing a parent at any age can make you feel like your most trusted loved one is gone. These groups give you a chance to connect with others who are coping with the loss of a parent and can help you move forward.

Grief in common coaching and chat

Grief in Common focuses on finding someone you can meet in person through a profile matching system and other online components. It offers over-the-phone advice on how to cope with grief about losing a parent and live chat rooms.

Grieving in the Commons system focuses on the fact that sharing a loss can be a strong connector for people.

Anonymous Facebook pages of grief

Grief Anonymous follows an in-person meeting model like other anonymous support groups and has an extensive network of Facebook pages. Connecting to a Facebook page tailored to others who have lost a parent gives you a place to share.

You can read and reply to other people’s posts and you will understand that others are going through the same pain.

. Angels of my sorrow

My Grief Angels offers extensive resources, including forums, articles, and a large grief support directory. When you’re grieving a deceased parent, you may feel like you’ve moved to a new country and don’t understand its customs or language.

My Grief Angels’ “residents” work to create resources that help people navigate through this unfamiliar phase of your life.

Best grief support groups for someone who has lost a sibling.

Losing a sibling, especially without warning, is shocking and upsetting. You can connect with other people who have also lost siblings through various online communities. Doing so is a way of accepting your grief and remembering someone.

Soaring Spirit International Widow Village

Price: Free

Why we chose it: This free support group provides a wide array of resources for people coping with the loss of a spouse. It also offers personal events and pen pal programs to connect you with colleagues.

The Widowed Village is an online community created by Soaring Spirits. This forum offers and connects you with people who are similar to you in age, location and history of widowhood.

Membership is free and includes access to programs such as the new Widows Virtual Program. This includes sharing guest speakers, educational videos, weekly Zoom meetings, discussion groups and other resources.

Looking for more? Sign up for regional groups, personal events, and widow programs.

Like most support groups, this program is intended to complement therapy and treatment provided by trained mental health professionals. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not take the place of medical advice.

Pros:

• Provides a variety of resources
• Many sources of support, including regional groups, in-person events, and scholarship programs
• Free membership

Cons

• Support from mental health professionals is not included.
• Best for post-suicide damage
• heart beat
• Price: Free

Why we chose it: With free virtual meetings every month and local chapters in multiple areas of Colorado, Heartbeat can be a helpful resource for those coping with the loss of a loved one to suicide.

Heartbeat Survivors of Suicide is a nonprofit organization that helps those who are grieving a loved one who died by suicide by providing comfort, encouragement, and guidance.

The group provides a monthly support meeting on the first Tuesday of each month.

Virtual meetings are open to anyone. However, the group is limited to this one type of support, except for people living in or near Colorado. If you live near a chapter in Colorado, there are one to three monthly in-person meetings for each location.

There are no forums or online discussion groups for this organization.

Prso:

• The monthly virtual support meeting is open to anyone.
• Free to attend meetings

Cons

• Does not offer online discussion groups.
• Personal appointments are available at designated locations only.
• Best for cancer related damage
• Cancer Care
• Price: Free

Why we chose it: CancerCare provides professional and peer support for people navigating cancer-related loss. In addition, it is free, easy to use and accessible 24/7.

CancerCare online support groups connect people with cancer, loved ones of people with cancer, and people who have lost a loved one to cancer.

The group is led by licensed oncology social workers who can offer you professional support and guidance.

The program format uses a message board on a password-protected website. Groups are free to access and run for 15 weeks at a time. Members can post on the message boards 24/7.

The program is open to anyone in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the US territories.

Pros:

• Provides professional support from licensed oncology social workers.
• Message boards are available 24/7.

Free to access groups

Consf

• Live support groups are only available to residents of New York and New Jersey.
• Perfect for pet damage
• The Anti-Cruelty Society works through the loss of pets.
• Price: Free

Why we chose it: With monthly virtual meetings led by a trained grief counselor, this online support group aims to facilitate the healing process and provide the tools you need to cope with the loss of a pet. need to be dealt with.

The Anti-Cruelty Society is an animal welfare organization founded in 1899. It offers several group pet programs, including the Working Through Pet Loss free class.

The pet loss group meets on the first Tuesday of virtually every month. A grief counselor leads the group, and the current leader is also a licensed professional counselor. The meeting lasts for an hour and a half and booking is required to get the link.

The downside of this group is that support is only available once a month. There are no discussion boards or other ways to connect with other people going through pet loss.

Pros:

• Group meetings are led by grief counselors.
• Free to participate

Cons

• Only one virtual meeting per month
• There are no discussion boards or online chat available.
• Reservations are required to attend the meeting.

How to Choose the Best Grief Support Group for You

There are a few important factors to consider when choosing an online support group. First, you may want to join a group that has a specific focus on meeting others in a similar situation as you. For example, if you have experienced the loss of a sibling, you may want to choose a group that focuses on sibling loss.

The composition and cost of the group will also play a role in your decision. Online grief support groups are often conducted through live chat, private Facebook groups, or in-person or virtual workshops. Many of them are free or offer free resources, but some charge directly for individual and group sessions.

Compare the best online grief support group options

	Focus	Structure	Price
Grief in Common	loss of a loved one	resources, forums, live chat, individual and group coaching	most features are free, $9.99 per year for live chat, $85 for individual video sessions, $25 for general grief group sessions
The Compassionate Friends	loss of a sibling or child	live chats and private Facebook groups	free
HealGrief Actively Moving Forward	young adults experiencing loss	resources, forums, live chats, and virtual support groups	free
Grief Anonymous	loss of a loved one	private Facebook groups	free
First Candle	pregnancy and infant loss	resources, private Facebook group, and peer support program	free
Twinless Twins	loss of a twin	resources, annual conferences, in-person and virtual workshops	most resources are free, paid membership with extra features is $50 per year
Soaring Spirits International Widowed Village	loss of spouse	resources, forums, virtual workshops, in-person events, and pen pal program	free
HEARTBEAT	suicide loss	virtual and in-person meetings	free
CancerCare	cancer-related loss	private message boards and live support groups	free
The Anti-Cruelty Society Working Through Pet Loss	pet loss	virtual group meetings	free

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Grief Support Groups

What is the difference between online and in-person support groups?

Although they may not be the best fit for everyone, online support groups can be a convenient and flexible alternative to in-person support groups.

Typically, online support groups consist of discussion boards, virtual meetings, or live chats. In-person support groups are physical gatherings where members can connect and share their feelings and personal experiences.

In many cases, online support groups can be more cost-effective than in-person meetings, and many types are often free.

However, some people may find it easier to share and connect with others when communicating in person rather than online.

Some people may also prefer the consistency and stability offered by in-person support groups over virtual groups or discussion boards.

Who is an online support group best for?

An online support group can be a good choice for people with busy schedules who are looking for flexible ways to connect with others, such as live chats, virtual meetings, or discussion forums.

Because online groups are often free or available at low cost, they can be a great option for those on a tight budget.

Additionally, some people may feel more comfortable interacting virtually, while others may prefer the anonymity offered by online support groups.

When should I see a mental health professional?

Although online support groups can be a useful tool in the healing process, they are not a substitute for treatment or therapy from a trained mental health professional.

• Consider talking to a mental health professional if you’re experiencing grief:

• Interfering with your daily life
• Affecting your relationships or performance at work or school
• Which makes you feel anxious, stressed or unhappy most of the time.
• Other symptoms that may benefit from additional treatment from a licensed professional include:

• Having problems with substance use.
• Having thoughts of harming yourself or others
• Experiencing a loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy.
• Lack of motivation
• Feeling hopeless or guilty
• Difficulty getting out of bed or feeling tired most of the time

Take it

• Grieving the loss of a loved one can be a long process, and asking for help can be difficult.

• Support groups do not replace the advice of a licensed health care professional. However, they can offer a source of comfort and support from other people who are going through a similar situation.

• Logging into an online grief support group will remind you that you are not alone.

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• Missed someone? Whatever the situation, how to deal with it.
• General points
• If they are away.
• If you can’t do that
• If the bond is broken.
• If they are ex.
• If they are deceased.
• Take it
• Hayden Williams / Stokes United
• Humans are social creatures by nature. Most people want some degree of intimacy, companionship, and lasting connection with others.

• However, the other side of a relationship is loneliness. When you can’t see or talk to someone you care about, the pain of their absence and the long memories of your time together can linger in your heart.

Sometimes, you can solve the problem of missing someone by picking up the phone or dropping by for a visit. But reconnecting isn’t always possible, and the resulting feelings of loss and sadness can begin to reach the point where they begin to overwhelm every aspect of your daily life.

Rumors about loneliness usually don’t do much to ease your anxiety, but these 17 tips can help you cope more effectively, whether you’re missing or missing an ex. family Grieving the loss of a loved one.

General tips for any situation

• If you care for someone and enjoy spending time with them, it’s natural to mourn their absence when they’re gone. Even a temporary separation is not always easy to bear.

• Take care of yourself
• Managing emotional wounds is just as important as treating physical wounds. You may not need stitches or an ice pack, but a little compassion can go a long way toward healing your pain.

• You’ve suffered a loss, and you’ll need time to adjust before you feel like yourself again. Being gentle with yourself by practicing good self-care can help you get through this adjustment period.

• May include self-care for emotional distress.

• If they are away.
• Even when you know you’ll finally see the person you’ve been missing, you can still feel quite helpless. Time can seem to drag, making it difficult to focus on anything else as you count down the days.

• Schedule a remote hangout.
• Staying in touch is key, whether you’re separated by a continent, a few states, or COVID-19 protocols.

• Chatting via text messages, telephone, and video chat may not bring the same feelings of fulfillment as face-to-face interactions, but virtual interactions can help you feel more connected while you wait to separate. Scheduling a regular time to “meet” gives you something to look forward to.

• In between virtual hangouts, why not try writing them a letter to let them know you’re thinking of them?

• Handwritten letters may seem old-fashioned, but they offer a great way to share feelings. Since you can’t hit the backspace button, it becomes more important to focus on your thoughts as you write and choose words that truly convey your feelings.

• Embrace reminders and reminders.
• During regular periods of separation — if you’re in a long-distance relationship, for example — keeping some of their belongings around your home can help remind you that they’ll be back before long. .

• Even when you know, logically, that the distance won’t last forever, daily reminders can still help cement that fact into your awareness, making your breakup less bitter. Makes it bitter.

• Throw their sweaters over the back of the armchair, use their shampoo occasionally, play their favorite album, and leave a few of their books on the coffee table. That way, they still feel present in your life, even if they are temporarily away.

Reconnect with yourself.

• In romantic relationships and close friendships, many people do a lot of things together, which sometimes leaves you with less time for yourself.

• Everyone needs some alone time on occasion. While a temporary separation can leave you alone, it also provides an opportunity for some self-discovery.

• Take this opportunity to take up new interests or things you don’t enjoy, whether it’s a solo camping trip or a weekend devoted entirely to art films.

• If you can’t talk to them now
• Missing someone you can’t connect with is often even more painful. Maybe their work takes them somewhere without phone service or they’re dealing with a serious illness. Or maybe you both decided it was time for a break.

• Whatever the reason, it becomes even more important to take the time, either on your own or with the help of someone else, to acknowledge and manage your emotions.

• If the inability to connect physically or remotely makes you feel depressed, try:

• Meditation to help ease pain
• Expressing emotions through journaling, drawing, or music
• Track ideas to share later
• Focusing on positive memories, like shared jokes or trips you took together.
• You might also consider doing something similar, either for a loved one or for someone else in their honor.

• Kindness to others can boost your mood and help you feel more connected to other people and humanity in general. A kind act in anticipation of your loved one’s return also sends a message that you care.

• One final note: If you can’t talk to someone because you’ve agreed to cut off contact for a while, make sure to respect the boundaries you’ve set. Instead of being tempted to reach out, track your thoughts in journals or unsent letters.

If the relationship does not last.

• Sometimes, missing someone can trigger other complex emotions. Maybe you don’t talk to them anymore because they hurt you or betrayed your trust.

• Along with missing out on the joy you once shared, you may also feel guilty or resentful for caring about someone who hurt you.

• Love is complicated, as are people, and it’s not unusual for your desire to linger, despite the knowledge that you’d be better off avoiding contact.

• You may find that you can’t maintain any kind of relationship with a parent who abused you, a friend who doesn’t want to address toxic behavior, or a partner who cheated—then Also feel love for them at the same time.

• Instead of denying your pain, it’s important to talk about and work through these feelings. Stick to your decision to disconnect and keep a journal or talk to someone you trust instead.

• When coping strategies don’t provide much relief, a good next step may include seeking professional help. Ending a relationship can be upsetting, but a therapist can help you find ways to cope with the loss of someone who is no longer in your life and heal the pain of the original hurt.

Deprivation grief: When no one understands your loss

• Examples
• Symptoms
• To compete
• Finding support
• take away
• When we lose something we love, we mourn. It is part of our nature.

• But what if guilt ties the edges of your grief? Maybe that little voice inside is whispering that you shouldn’t be mourning the loss of your job when you and your family still enjoy good health.

• You may wonder if you’re “too sad” to lose your pet, perhaps when someone casually says, “It’s not like you’ve lost a child.”

• No matter what kind of loss you’ve suffered, your grief is valid.

• Yet, society often fails to acknowledge some types of grief, making it difficult to express your grief or begin the healing process.

• Disenfranchised grief, also known as hidden grief or grief, refers to grief that is unacknowledged or disconfirmed by social norms. This type of grief is often downplayed or misunderstood by others, making it especially difficult to process and work through.

• Here’s a primer on how bereavement manifests itself and some tips for processing a difficult loss.

• What it might look like.
• Bereavement grief manifests itself in five main ways (although it is not limited to these examples).

• Unrecognized relationships
• If you feel the need to keep your relationship private for whatever reason, you may not know how to express your grief when your partner dies. People may also have trouble understanding when you mourn someone you never knew.

This may include:

• LGBTQ+ people who are not out and feel insecure about the loss of their partner.
• Polygamous people who lose a non-primary partner, especially when no one knew of their involvement.
• A casualty partner, friend with benefits, or the death of an ex-partner, especially when you were close.
• Death of an online friend or pen pal
• The death of someone you never knew, such as an unknown sibling or an absent parent
• Loss that is considered ‘less significant’
• Many people don’t see a breakup or distance as a significant loss, although you can lose someone permanently even if they’re still alive. This type of damage can still cause deep, lasting pain.

Some types of non-fatal damage include:

• An adoption that never goes through
• Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
• Loss of property
• Loss of your homeland
• Loss of safety, independence, or years of your life from abuse or neglect
• Loss of mobility or health
• Society also minimizes the grief associated with certain losses, such as death:

• A mentor, teacher, or student

A patient or therapy client

• A pet
• A co-worker
• An “honorary relative”, such as a friend’s child
• Loss surrounded by stigma
• If the circumstances of your loss cause others to judge or criticize you, you may get the message that you have to grieve alone.

• Unfortunately, some losses elicit more stigma than sympathy. The reactions of others may make you feel embarrassed or ashamed rather than comforted.

• Some people who want to offer sympathy and support may not know how to respond to grief about something that is not often discussed, such as:

• infertility
• Suicide or overdose death
• Abortion
• Miscarriage or stillbirth
• Estrangement from a loved one experiencing addiction, cognitive decline, or severe mental health problems
• Losing a loved one who was convicted of a crime and imprisoned.
• Grieving after a miscarriage can be a particularly complex example of bereavement grief. Although society may ignore this grief, the person experiencing it may also invalidate their grief because it is a result of their decision.

Excluded from mourning

• If you lose a loved one who was not a romantic partner or part of your immediate family, you may face implications that you have less right to mourn them.

• In fact, it’s perfectly normal to grieve the loss of someone you had a meaningful relationship with, including:

• A best friend
• Extended family
• A classmate
• An ex
• People also sometimes assume that certain groups lack the ability to mourn, including:

• Children
• People with cognitive impairment or loss of function
• People with developmental disabilities
• People with serious mental health conditions
• Grief that does not conform to social norms.
• Most societies have unofficial “rules” about grief that include expectations about how people mourn their loss.

If you’ve recently experienced a loss, people can expect you to:

• Crying and other ways to visually express sadness
• Withdrawal from social events
• Lose your appetite
• More sleep
• If you express your grief in other ways, people may get confused or accuse you of not grieving your loss. Some common but less validated ways to express grief include:

• Anger
• Lack of emotion
• Increased preoccupation, such as putting oneself to work
• Substance or alcohol use to cope
• People express emotions in different ways, so assuming that everyone does is at a loss.

Know that feelings can change.

• As you navigate the days, weeks, and months after the loss of a parent, you may experience a variety of emotions and feelings. These can also change over time.

• Some people may go through what are called the five stages of grief. These include:

• Step 1: Denial. It can feel like being in a state of shock or confusion around the death of a parent. A person in this stage may feel the need to be busy all the time, or do whatever they can to avoid dealing with the problem.
• Step Two: Anger. In this stage a person may feel frustrated, angry or even resentful. They may display behaviors that are irritable, sarcastic or frustrated. They may also get into arguments or turn to alcohol or drugs.
• Step Three: Bargaining. In the bargaining stage of grief, a person may experience feelings of shame, guilt, blame, or insecurity. They may ruminate on past affairs or worry about the future. They may judge themselves or others, overthink and worry.
• Stage 4: Depression. During this stage, people may feel hopeless, sad, frustrated and overwhelmed. They may experience changes in their sleep or appetite, lack of interest in social activities and reduced energy.
• Step Five: Acceptance. In the final stages of grief, people may feel a sense of self-compassion, courage, pride, and even wisdom. They can accept reality for what it is, be present in the moment as it happens and be able to adapt and cope with the situation.
• Take care of your well-being
• Grief often has a significant impact on daily life:

• Your mental state can change quickly without warning.
• You may have sleep problems, less or less appetite, irritability, poor concentration, or increased alcohol or substance use.
• You may find it difficult to work, take care of household chores, or take care of your basic needs.
• The need to wrap up your parents’ affairs can overwhelm you, especially if you have to handle it alone.
• Some people find comfort in the distraction of work, but if possible, avoid forcing yourself to go back before you’re ready. People often throw themselves into work, taking on more than they can comfortably handle to avoid scaling the ever-present wall of painful emotions.

• Finding balance is the key. Some distraction can be healthy, provided you still take time to process your feelings.

• Making time for self-care can seem difficult, even daunting, but prioritizing your health becomes even more important as you recover from your loss.

Keep these tips in mind:

• Get enough sleep. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
• Avoid skipping meals. If you’re not hungry, choose nutritious snacks and small meals that boost your mood.
• Hydrate. Drink more water.
• keep moving. Be active to energize yourself and help lift your spirits. Even a daily walk can help.
• Aim for moderation. If you drink alcohol, try to stay within the recommended guidelines. It’s understandable that you want to ease your pain, but excessive alcohol consumption can have negative health effects.
• Reset. Relax and recharge by pursuing a hobby like gardening, reading, art, or music.
• Be careful. Meditating or keeping a grief journal can help you process emotions.
• speak up Talk to your healthcare provider about any new physical or mental health symptoms. Reach out to friends and loved ones for support.
• Share memories.
• Talking to family members and other loved ones about what your parents meant to you and sharing stories can help keep their memory alive.

• If you have children, tell them stories about their grandparents or carry on family traditions that were important to you as children.

• Reminiscing may feel painful at first, but you may find that your grief begins to ease as the stories flow.

• If you feel unable to open up about your parents at the moment, it may also help to collect photos of special moments or write them a letter expressing your grief about their passing. Is.

• Of course, not everyone has positive memories of their parents. And people often avoid sharing negative memories about people who have passed on. If they abused, neglected, or hurt you in any way, you may wonder if there’s any point in letting go of that old pain.

• If you’ve never discussed or processed what happened, however, you may find it even more difficult to heal and move on after their death. Opening up to a therapist or someone else you trust can help ease the burden.

• Do something in their memory.
• Many people find that certain actions can help honor a deceased parent and offer a measure of comfort.

·         You may consider:

• Create a small home memorial with photos and memorabilia
• Planting their favorite tree or flower in your backyard
• Adopt your pets or plants
• Continue working.