Grief Support Resources

What Is Grief?

Grief is the natural response to loss. It's not an illness to be cured, but a journey to be experienced. There is no "right" way to grieve, no timeline you should follow, and no expectation to "get over it."

Grief Is Not Linear

You won't move through stages in order. You might feel anger one day, acceptance the next, and denial the day after. All of this is completely normal.

All Feelings Are Valid

Your feelings—whether sadness, anger, guilt, relief, numbness, or even moments of happiness—are all valid. Grief affects everyone differently based on your relationship with the person who died, your support system, and your own coping mechanisms.

Grief Support Groups (In-Person)

Meet regularly with others who have experienced loss. Facilitators guide discussions, and participants share their stories. Many are free and offered through hospices, hospitals, faith communities, or funeral homes. Being with others who understand can be deeply comforting.

Individual Grief Counseling

One-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist or grief counselor. More intensive than support groups and tailored to your specific needs. Particularly helpful if grief is complicated by trauma, guilt, or mental health concerns.

Online Communities and Forums

Virtual spaces to connect with others grieving similar losses. Available 24/7, anonymous if desired, and accessible from home. Organizations like The Dinner Party and What's Your Grief offer structured online support.

Bereavement Programs Through Hospice

Most hospices offer grief support for 12-13 months after death, even if you weren't enrolled with them before. Services typically include support groups, counseling referrals, memorial events, and educational resources—usually at no cost.

Faith-Based Support

Spiritual counseling and grief groups through churches, synagogues, mosques, or other faith communities. Combines emotional support with spiritual guidance. GriefShare is a popular Christian grief support program available nationwide.

Specialized Support Groups

Groups for specific types of loss: losing a spouse, losing a child, losing a parent, sudden death, suicide loss, etc. Connecting with people who understand your specific situation can be especially healing.

Prolonged inability to function

Unable to perform basic tasks like eating, bathing, working, or caring for dependents for weeks or months.

Suicidal thoughts or self-harm

Thoughts of ending your life, wishing you had died with them, or urges to hurt yourself. Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) immediately.

Substance abuse

Using alcohol, drugs, or medication to numb emotional pain or escape reality.

Complete isolation

Cutting off all relationships, refusing all contact with friends and family for extended periods.

Prioritize Physical Health

Grief is exhausting for your body and mind. Even when you don't feel like it, try to eat nutritious meals, get adequate sleep, and move your body. Exercise releases endorphins that can temporarily ease emotional pain.

Journal Your Feelings

Write down your thoughts, memories, anger, sadness, or whatever you're feeling. Journaling helps process emotions and track your journey. You might also write letters to the person who died, expressing things you wish you could say.

Create Rituals of Remembrance

Light a candle on special dates, visit meaningful places, cook their favorite meal, or create a memory box. Rituals honor your loved one and give you a constructive way to express your grief.

Allow Yourself to Feel Joy

Laughing, having fun, or feeling happy doesn't mean you've forgotten them or that you didn't love them enough. Your loved one would want you to experience joy again. Grief and happiness can coexist.

Set Boundaries

It's okay to say no to social events, skip holidays, or limit interactions with people who don't understand your grief. Protect your energy and only engage in what feels manageable.

Be Patient With Yourself

Grief takes as long as it takes. Don't let others rush your process or tell you to "move on." Healing is not about forgetting—it's about learning to carry the loss while still living your life.

Your Hospice Provider

If your loved one was in hospice, contact them about bereavement services. Most hospices offer free grief support groups, counseling referrals, and memorial services for 12-13 months after death.

Local Hospitals and Health Systems

Call your local hospital and ask if they offer grief support groups or counseling services. Many hospitals host free support groups for various types of loss.

Faith Communities

Reach out to your church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other faith community. Many offer pastoral counseling and grief support groups. GriefShare is a faith-based program with thousands of local groups.

Funeral Homes

Many funeral homes host grief support groups or can connect you with local resources. Some partner with counselors to offer free or low-cost bereavement services.

Public Libraries

Libraries often host grief support groups and have extensive collections of grief-related books. Librarians can also help you find local resources.

Online Directories

Use Psychology Today's therapist directory to find grief counselors near you. Filter by insurance, location, and specialization. Many counselors now offer virtual sessions.

Just Be Present

You don't need to say the right thing or fix their pain. Simply being there—sitting with them, listening without judgment, or offering a hug—is often the most helpful thing you can do.

Offer Specific Help

Instead of "Let me know if you need anything," offer specific tasks: "I'm bringing dinner Tuesday. Is 6pm okay?" Grieving people often can't articulate what they need.

Avoid Cliches and Platitudes

Don't say "They're in a better place" or "Everything happens for a reason." Instead, say "I'm so sorry" or "I don't know what to say, but I'm here."

Remember Important Dates

Check in on birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and the anniversary of the death. These dates can be especially painful. A simple "Thinking of you today" text means the world.

Say Their Name

Don't avoid mentioning the person who died. Grieving people want to talk about their loved one. Share memories, ask questions, and keep their memory alive through conversation.

Be Patient With Their Grief

Don't expect them to "get over it" or return to normal quickly. Grief changes people. Support them wherever they are in the process, even if it takes years.

Check In Months Later

The initial weeks after death bring lots of support, but it often disappears after a month or two. Continue reaching out months and years later—grief doesn't end when the funeral is over.