Surviving the death of a loved one is one of the most painful experiences life brings us. The world has suddenly changed and we are challenged to find new ways to live in it.
Grief is the natural reaction to the loss of someone close. Grief is both a universal and a personal experience. Individual experiences of grief vary, are unique to each individual, and are influenced by the nature of the loss. You may experience grief as a mental, physical, social and emotional reaction. Emotional reactions can include anger, guilt, anxiety, sadness and despair. Physical reactions might include sleeping problems, changes in appetite, physical problems or illness.
Bereavement is the extended period of grief, mourning and adjustment after a death. How long bereavement lasts can depend on how close you were to the person who died, if the person’s death was expected, and other factors. Friends and family may be sources of support, and grief counseling can be helpful to some individuals. Professional counselors, at Hospice of Spokane, are trained in grief and loss issues to help individuals identify and attend to their unique grieving needs.
The following support is available:
Individual Grief Counseling
Our master’s-level counselors provide individual counseling up to 13 months to spouses/partners, family members and close friends of patients served by Hospice of Spokane. Counseling is currently being provided by phone.
Support Services
Hospice of Spokane mails out educational letters regarding the grief process for 13 months following the death of a Hospice of Spokane patient to help loved ones as they move through the grieving process.
Resources
A variety of resources to cope with grief can be found on our website at https://www.hospiceofspokane.org/grief-support/resources/ including a list of recommended books for adults and children. Also included are a number of handouts that might be helpful in coping with grief.
For More Information
Please contact our bereavement counselors at 509-456-0438 or toll free at 888-459-0438.