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Grief support groups

While emotional support from family and friends can give great comfort to those who are bereaved, many people find themselves unable or unwilling to be open with those close to them. In families where communication has historically been strained, it can be difficult to overcome the emotional barriers built up by years of friction. Even the closest of friendships may have areas that are 'off-limits'; these relationships may be solid and long lasting, but based on unspoken, yet clearly defined, emotional boundaries. In such instances, grief support groups, consisting of strangers brought together by their suffering, may facilitate openness and a level of communication that cannot be achieved within a family dynamic. The support group comes to represent a respite from grief for the bereaved, and the bond that develops between its members can help to lift depression and alleviate the sense of isolation that often afflicts people who are mourning a profound loss.

Becoming part of a grief support group may be particularly valuable for someone who is geographically removed or emotionally estranged from family and close friends, or for anyone who feels the need for additional support in dealing with a profound loss.

A support group may also offer an opportunity for someone who feels anger to vent and rail and, eventually, find a sense of resolution, without risking damage to family relationships. Emotional frankness between people grieving the same profound loss can lead to trouble.

Grief support groups offer grieving people the opportunity to unload emotionally without having to be guarded or diplomatic, which in itself creates a sense of security and relief. The chance to give support to others, too, may be enormously beneficial to people who are grieving; they may gain emotional strength and enhanced self-esteem themselves through helping others.

Grief support groups come in varying shapes and sizes. Some may be mixed, others may be men- or women-only. Men, in particular, may have trouble grieving since they've often been raised to be stoic and to suppress their emotions. Being able to speak freely to other men can help them address their feelings and work towards recovery.

Some support groups are informal meetings between people whose common bond is their individual grief. Other groups are led by trained therapists who guide the group's members as they explore the aspects of their grief.