When You Should Seek Outside Support

Research has shown that online grief support sites help grieving individuals. Still, there are times when it is wise to seek one-on-one counseling. If any of the following apply to you or your loved ones after the first month (post-loss), take action.

• You are having trouble functioning on a daily basis.
• You view life as hopeless.
• You can’t get out of bed in the morning.
• You reject all invitations.
• You don’t leave the house unless it’s an emergency.
• You overeat, over-drink, or abuse prescription drugs.
• You have panic attacks on a regular basis.
• You don’t sleep for days on end.
• Your children are acting out, getting poor grades, or not talking to you.

Where you can find a good grief counselor

• Your local hospice is federally mandated to provide bereavement services. Call and ask if they offer one-on-one counseling.  Also ask about and consider joining one of their grief support groups.
• If you have a relationship with a pastor or rabbi, schedule a meeting.
• Ask your physician for a referral.
• Go to Psychology Today’s website and search for a grief counselor by zip code. http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_search.php

Don’t delay.  

• When you take care of yourself emotionally you take care of yourself physically as well. Your thoughts, feelings and emotions do affect your physical health!