By David Coy
Sunrise
It is my belief that everything happens for a reason whether we understand the reason or not. What helps us tremendously in times of doubt or sorrow is to receive additional information from other people who are experiencing a similar struggle. Support groups are intended to be just that, a support for people who need to share their experiences and also receive the potential to learn from the experiences of others. Further, it is their goal to provide resources so that people may possess the hope and belief not only that are they not alone in their sorrow but also that the future will be brighter than their past and present. Group attendees have opportunity to see one another’s strengths and possibly what areas are the greatest struggle for others and thereby provide encouragement.
Support groups have the opportunity to be a place of security and safety as people who are walking in their journey with grief share mutual feelings with the knowledge that everything they share remains within the walls of the meeting place and that no one is to speak outside the walls of what was discussed inside. Smaller groups have the opportunity to be more personable and thus afford a comfortable and more relaxed atmosphere where interaction may take place. A session may begin by asking those who wish to share to give a summary of what they have been feeling and what has been most difficult for them day by day. Suggestions of coping tools to assist toward healing are talking to others who are willing to listen, keeping a journal, listening to music, praying, meditating on scripture, allowing yourself to feel whatever you are feeling, crying if you want, being productive with your time during the day and getting adequate sleep at night.
This is Sunrise Aftercare, sunrise@sfdcares.com.
