Finding Support in Grief Support Groups

Grief is a universal experience, yet it often feels deeply isolating. The process of mourning, though natural, can be complicated by a lack of societal support and understanding. Without the space or rituals to process grief, many find themselves struggling to cope and feeling empty. Fortunately, grief support groups, like the weekly Morning Joe Grief Support Group and the Honoring Grief Six-Week Support Group that are hosted by Rainbow Bereavement Counselors offer a safe and structured environment to navigate this challenging journey. 

Understanding grief and grief support is not a one-size-fits-all experience. It manifests differently for everyone, shaped by personal history, cultural norms, and the nature of the loss. One of the challenges many face is feeling disconnected in their grief. Our culture often provides limited allowances for mourning, particularly for less acknowledged forms of loss, such as miscarriages, estranged relationships, or the death of a pet. Suicide grief can carry a unique weight, with feelings of guilt, shame, or unanswered questions complicating the mourning process. This can leave individuals feeling disenfranchised and unsupported, amplifying their sense of isolation. Friends and family may also respond differently to the loss, creating a gap between what someone needs and the support available. This disconnect may drive individuals to seek solace in unhelpful ways, such as excessive screen time or avoidance behaviors, rather than addressing their grief directly. Grief support groups provide a remedy to this by offering connection, validation, and a sense of shared understanding.

Morning Joe Grief Support Group

Morning Joe Grief Support Group is a drop-in group that meets every Monday (except for holidays) from 8:30-10:00 a.m. Registration is not required. Drop in when you are ready for the support of the group. Facilitated by Terry Hein and Laura Wessels, group members share how they are doing and receive validation and understanding from fellow group members. Grief topics, such as navigating loneliness, finding purpose, and sharing ways of remembering their loved one, are explored, in accordance with the wishes of group members.

Benefits of Grief Support Groups

Joining a grief support group like Morning Joe or Honoring Grief offers several benefits:

• Connection: Sharing experiences with others helps alleviate feelings of isolation. Group members often find comfort in knowing they are not alone.
• Validation: Being heard and understood by others can reduce feelings of disenfranchisement. The group provides a judgment-free space to express emotions.
• Tools for Healing: Facilitated sessions introduce strategies to process grief in healthy, meaningful ways, allowing participants to reclaim control over their journey.
• Community Rituals: Participants have the chance to create and engage in rituals that acknowledge their loss, offering closure and a sense of purpose.
• Embracing Collective Healing: Grief is a profoundly personal yet shared experience. While it can be tempting to endure it alone, communal mourning fosters connection and understanding, essential components of healing. Morning Joe and Honoring Grief provides the tools and support needed to navigate this challenging path with compassion and resilience.

For anyone feeling lost in their grief, these groups offer a much-needed lifeline—an opportunity to honor your loss while finding solace in the shared journey of healing.

Conversations in Grief Support

Hilary Furnish and Laura Wessels invite conversation and response as they reflect on aspects of grief in their monthly Conversations in Grief blog. What began as a way to address COVID-19 grief has become a blog that has expanded and continues to provide additional insight and support for those who are experiencing the loss of a loved one. View their most recent blogs below, in the Conversations in Grief Support section.