Joining a bereavement support group can be an intricate component for healing and finding comfort following the death of a loved one. Coming together with others who have experienced the loss of a significant other can help adjusting to a world in which loved ones no longer live.
People in grief give each other support while they are learning, enjoying themselves, developing new skills, and giving help to others. Group attendees find that talking in a safe atmosphere, comparing feelings about new and unwanted challenges, and learning that their fears and reactions are a normal part of the grief process. Attendees are validated and relived which helps them manage the stress of adapting to a new life-style. They meet people, make friends and develop new hope which enhances their self-esteem and self-confidence while giving and receiving support.
Because a support group is typically seen as a forum for the discussion and understanding of a certain set of problems that its members are facing, having fun and making contributions to others do not seem serious enough to be of benefit. Be assured that they are. Sitting down and talking, sharing and commiserating together make up an important method of support. The acceptance and the expression of feelings are often crucial to the healing process that allows the bereaved to move forward into a new and vital life. The intent of a support group is to people work through work through their losses, develop new identities and enrich their lives through their suffering and survival. It is an inspiring pattern that relieves pain but is not intrusive. Attending a group can provide emotional relief, enhance the quality of life and help people find new meaning in their lives.
If you or someone you know might be interested in joining a group, please contact Maryanne Sekellick, Associate for Pastoral Care at 518 371-7372, Ext. 224 or Kathy Masucci at MasucciKM31@nycap.rr.com or 518 577-3297 for more information. St. Edward’s offers once a week sessions that are held privately at church. The sessions are held one hour a week for eight weeks.