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by Kriston Wenzel, LBSW, CT We struggle to know what to do when a friend loses a loved one through death. We want to say the right thing and hope in so doing, we’ll be able to “take the pain away.” However, that’s not how grief works. There are no “right words,” and the pain cannot “go…
As a professional caregiver, you may spend more time with the people you care for than your own family. Sometimes the people you care for can become like family to you or you may feel like family to them, especially if the person does not have family of their own. It can be difficult when…
by Jennifer Messelt, LMSW, LGSW In my 14 years as grief specialist at HIA Hospice, I’ve sat across from many grieving spouses. It’s been a privilege and honor to journey alongside them during their first year of grief. Through these interactions, I have learned about the grief reactions bereaved spouses have experienced. I’ve also learned the types…
by Jennifer Messelt, LMSW, LGSW After a loved one has died, you may feel like you are consumed by your grief—and often loneliness—especially if you had a close relationship with the person who died. Even though you may be surrounded by others, the physical and emotional void left by the person’s death may be accompanied by…
by Janna Benson Kontz, MDiv Holidays and grief form an interesting tension for each of us after the death of a loved one. We feel the tension between wanting to celebrate and never wanting to celebrate again. We feel the tension between wanting to be happy and feeling guilty for being happy. We feel the tension…
Heather Larson, LSW, CT Grieving is some of the hardest work we will ever do. I have discussed this idea countless times with those who are deeply grieving the death of a loved one. The moment when one reaches his/her lowest point while grieving is different for everyone. What is likely not so different is that our grief…
by Staci Metzger, MSW Grief is generally thought of as something that happens after the death of a loved one, but what many people don’t realize is grief takes on many forms, and can happen at any time. Grief can occur when witnessing a loved one loses his or her independence, when a loved one is diagnosed…
by Jennifer Messelt, LMSW, LGSW “I know exactly how you feel.” In the nearly 13 years I have worked as a bereavement specialist, I have learned this is one of most unwelcome phrases heard by those who have experienced the death of a loved one. No matter how similar two losses may seem, no two…