The death of someone we love is the greatest loss any
of us is likely to endure. However, virtually all of us
will experience that grief in our own way. Your experience
might include shock, denial, anger, guilt, sorrow, longing—even
physical illness. It will almost certainly include emotional
pain.
These feelings might overwhelm you immediately, or surface
after weeks, months, or years. What you feel and need one
day may be very different from the day before. And what you
experience may be very different from the experience of your
family and friends.
It's Normal, Even Healthy
As you go through this process, it is important to remember
that grieving is a normal, even helpful human experience.
It is a natural part of the process of saying “goodbye.”
One of our most important roles with our clients is to
help them say “goodbye” in meaningful and profound
way—then to provide you with tools that will help you
cope with the normal but difficult process of grieving. One
of these tools is talking—to other people who are experiencing
grief, and to counselors who can advise you on ways to cope
with it.
Recommended Support Groups
We have partnered with Sutter VNA and Hospice, which offers
excellent group support programs throughout the Bay Region
for those grieving the loss of a family member or friend.
These groups help individuals recognize the various aspects
of grief, and offer ways to cope with and work toward acceptance
of death. Meetings are conducted in an environment that is
safe, supportive and empathetic. For information and/or to
register for a group please call any of the following numbers
and ask for “bereavement support”:
- West Bay Support Groups—650-685-2821
- East Bay Support Groups (Oakland, Hayward)—510-450-8596
- Sacramento & Roseville Support Groups—916-797-7850
A sliding scale donation may be requested ($5-25 per session),
although no one will be turned away due to inability to pay.
Sutter VNA and Hospice Bereavement Programs are funded by
community support. Click on link for additional information.
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