Grief Support

The loss of a loved one can take its toll on you both physically and mentally. You may experience a rollercoaster of emotions. One moment may find you incapacitated by grief, whereas in the next you may feel almost normal. Anger, fear, guilt, and panic are just a few of the emotions you may experience. This is completely normal.

The physical effects of grief can include sleeplessness, excessive fatigue, headaches, general malaise, intestinal upsets, and dizziness. During periods of extreme stress such as grief, it is crucial that you try to eat regularly and to rest, since stress can suppress your immune system, making you more prone to illness.

Your grief reaction and subsequent recovery can depend on the quality of your relationship to the deceased, your capacity to handle stress, and the type of support network that you have. If your relationship was strained or you have never experienced the loss of a loved one, your grief may be overwhelming.

Do not be afraid to seek the support of friends and family. They will want to help but might not be sure how. All too often, those who are grieving keep their feelings to themselves and feel that others will be able to anticipate their needs. As difficult as it may seem, it may be necessary for you to take the initiative.

The following local support groups and web sites can provide you with information to help you understand and cope with your grief. All are open to the public and are either free or have a nominal charge.

Local Grief Support Groups: 

Valley Hospice, 380 Summitt Ave., Steubenville, OH
1-877-467-7423 (toll free)
            Lifelines – 6 week course provided twice a year. Cost is $25 for material and scholarships are available if you can not afford the fee.
            Spring Session: Feb. 28 – April 3
            Fall Session: Sept. 11 – Oct. 16
            Thursday evenings from 7-9 p.m. at Trinity East Hospital, Steubenville
Suicide Survivors Group- 3rd Wed. 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Trinity East Hospital
Holiday Grief Seminar – November 6 at Trinity East Medical Conference Room
Parents Survivor Group – 3rd Wed. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Valley Hospice, Wheeling
Trinity East Hospital Grief Support Group – 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 6:30-7:30
Call Sister Patrick 740-283-7749
Tuscarawas County Survivors of Suicide - Meetings held every other Tuesday starting March 11, 2008 from 6-8 p.m. at the ADAMHS Board office in New Philadelphia

Websites:

• www.centerforloss.com – General grief information from Dr. Alan Wolfelt
  
• www.grief-recovery.com – General grief information from
  
• www.compassionatefriends.org – parents grieving over the loss of a child
  
• www.GrievingChild.org – children experiencing loss