Grief Support Resources For All Ages

Anticipatory grief is what you feel before an anticipated loss. This can happen whether you’re preparing for your own death or the anticipated loss of a loved one. These feelings can include physical symptoms such as lack of sleep, stomach pain, crying, and more. Anticipatory grief can also cause emotional distress and depression.

Think of mouring as the acts that we do surrounding a death or loss. The wake, visitation, funeral service and burial are all part of the mourning process. Grief, on the other hand, is an ongoing feeling and emotion we feel because of a loss. Grief affects everyone differently and has no set timeline.

While there are many feelings associated with grief, they can generally be grouped as:

• Denial
• Anger
• Bargaining
• Depression
• Acceptance

Each individual will go through the five stages of grief in their own time. How you process grief is entirely up to you. You should never feel rushed to go through these five stages. You may also find that your journey through these “stages” is nonlinear, and that’s okay. There is no “finish line” of grief. It’s often something we learn to contend with in different ways for the rest of our lives.

It’s often unhelpful to try to put a timeline on experiencing grief, even when moving through it feels impossible. Attempting to minimize or confine your grief to a particular timeline can have serious negative emotional and mental consequences.

Even in acceptance, we don’t truly get over the loss of a loved one; we just learn to live with that loss as part of our everyday life. If your grief feels unbearable and you are worried about your safety or mental health, reach out to a help line or someone you trust, or attend one of our weekly grief support groups for additional help.

Grief support groups can provide valuable assistance as you work through your grief, though they may not be right for everyone at every point in their grieving journey.

Knowing that you are feeling the same things and going through the same trials as others can help you feel less alone in your grief.

At Locke Funeral Services, our grief support group is focused on providing you with a safe space to understand your feelings of loss. If you attend a group and find that it doesn’t feel right, don’t let that stop you from coming back at a later date when you are dealing with your grief differently.

Some common symptoms of grief include sadness, guilt, anger, shock, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and changes in appetite.

However, it is important to know that grief does not always look the same for everyone. It is an extremely individual experience, and it’s completely normal to feel a wide range of things as you grieve.

If you don’t feel like these symptoms fit your situation, but you feel like something is off, or things that used to bring you joy simply don’t anymore, that is important to pay attention to. Reach out to loved ones or attend a grief support group to explore your feelings and find community.

It is not uncommon to experience feelings of guilt or regret after a loss. These feelings may be related to things you wish you had done differently or times when you were not able to be there for your loved one.

Remember that these feelings are normal, and find ways to offer yourself grace, to remind yourself that you were doing your best with what you had, and to be gentle with yourself as you move through those feelings. Grief can be intense and overwhelming; being kind to yourself in the toughest parts is important.

It is possible to heal and move forward after a loss, although the grieving process may be ongoing. With time and support, many people are able to find a sense of peace and acceptance after a loss, even as they continue to carry the memory of their loved one with them.

In the darkest moments following a loss, it can feel like there is no way out of the feelings you’re in. If that is how you feel, we encourage you to reach out to a family member or friend who will understand at least some of what you are going through, or can be a trusted and safe space for you.

If you aren’t sure where to start, we offer weekly support groups for those grieving, where you can meet others in a similar space and explore your feelings safely.

Absolutely, it can. Grief can affect your body in several ways, including fatigue, headaches, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns. It can feel difficult to make time and effort to care for yourself physically during the heaviest waves of grief, but it is important to try to do as much as you can. Eat well, try to get enough rest, and engage in physical activity whenever possible. These things can help your body produce the chemicals it needs to support your journey through these emotions.

Taking care of yourself is an important part of the grieving process. This can include getting enough rest, eating well, engaging in physical activity, and practicing self-care, such as meditation or journaling. It is also important to seek support from friends, family, or a professional if needed.

The most important thing you can do to support someone who is grieving is to listen and be present. Offer your support and comfort, but also respect their need for space and privacy. You can also help with practical tasks like cooking, cleaning, or running errands.