How Support Groups Can Be BeneficialAlways remember that your own support system may be extremely helpful during a time of grief and mourning. Family members, friends, neighbors, members of a church or other faith-based organization, and participants ofcommunity groups who already know you may want very much to help in any way they can. This is a time to take care of yourself, to ask for what you need and sometimes insist upon what you need. We wish you love,
hope and peace during this most difficult journey. Although support groups are not for everyone, many people find them to be a vital part of their healing process. The first visit may be difficult. We recommend attending at least three meetings to determine if it is beneficial for you. There are SOS Loss groups throughout the country, and not all are the same. Most groups are led by volunteer survivors and the diversity of group members can vary. If you find that one group does not meet your needs, don't give up--rather, try a different group. We also recommend that you seek out a therapist who can assist you in this difficult time. The bottom line is to keep reaching out until you find something that is helpful for you. For online support, visit the AFSP website which includes a nation-wide list of support groups. Alliance of Hope also offers an online community forum.
A grieving person's self-esteem can be very low. Studies show
that based on a scale of 100, an average person's self-esteem is in the
70s, whereas a grieving person's self-esteem ranks in the teens.
Self-esteem is enhanced by being able to help others which happens in
support groups. By providing support and suggestions for coping, you
receive a sense that you are of value to others. Other people in the
group provide assurances that they, too, have faced similar grief
experiences and yet have survived. |