Local Suicide Intervention Resources

By: Rachel Machacek, LCSW When talking about self care in grief, yoga and meditation are excellent (and research-backed) strategies for grounding and stabilizing, especially when grief feels like a high speed roller coaster, whipping us around with no end of the ride in sight. It’s a whole body-mind-spirit experience that often takes us out of … Continue reading Easy Yoga for Grief: Two poses. Two minutes.

By: Shannon Weisleder, Guest Blogger "Because of you, I will always have a friend." Ten years ago, I lost my only brother Matthew to suicide. He was 41 years old. It is a terrible thing to lose a sibling and most traumatic when it is to suicide. You feel as though part of your identity which has … Continue reading Sibling Loss

By: Allyson England Drake, M.Ed, CT Kenneth Doka created the term disenfranchised grief as “a loss that is not or cannot be openly acknowledged, socially sanctioned, or publicly mourned.” It is known as “hidden grief or sorrow.” Many times, those who are grieving a loss that is termed disenfranchised, they feel like they cannot openly … Continue reading What is Disenfranchised Grief?

By: Britt Cowart, LCSW There are approximately 47 plus million Senior Citizens in the US (65 and older) and this population is doubling. The average age expectancy is 78+ years and rising. With a growing aging population, it’s typical and expected that Seniors are experiencing increased loss and associated grief. The pain of grief is not lessened … Continue reading Seniors and Grief

By: Rev. Stephen Coleman, Reveille United Methodist Church, Guest Blogger One hot summer afternoon, my dad and I were riding in the car together, heading home just after playing a round of golf. Somehow, the subject of the death of his mother arose in the conversation. My grandmother died of cancer at age 62, when she was still … Continue reading Faith in Times of Grief and Loss

By: Kristen Emerson, LCSW, Bon Secours Bereavement Center, Guest Blogger Grief is unique for each person, but sometimes themes emerge for different types of loss. Read below for information specifically for young adults after a loved one’s death. Themes that are relevant for grieving young adults: Bittersweet milestones. Young adults experience significant life events in rapid succession … Continue reading Young Adult Grief

By: Deirdre Turner, CYT, Guest Blogger When my sister’s life was taken by homicide, I found myself in an anguished state of grief and shock; solid ground had been removed from underneath my feet and I was falling, endlessly it seemed, into a dark chasm from which there seemed to be no escape. I attended my … Continue reading Yoga During Grief: 3 Helpful Activities Anyone Can Do Now

By: Allyson England Drake, M.Ed, CT COVID-19 Pandemic. Senseless acts of violence. School shootings of young children. Numerous mass shootings. Increased suicides in our country. Overwhelming numbers of overdoses. Devastating weather and other natural events.  First responders, educators, employees, parents, news reporters, coroners, students, mental health clinicians, medical professionals …just to name a few…are suffering … Continue reading Coping with Secondary Grief and Trauma

by Adam Carpenter In November of 2017 my life changed forever. My wife and I unexpectedly lost our first daughter at 23 weeks gestation. The pain and emotions that I was feeling were stronger than anything I had ever felt before. I was terrified that this was going to take over my life in a … Continue reading A Father’s Grief

by Russell "Rusty" Ramsey, Full Circle Board Member, Vice Chair Coping with grief and dealing with the loss of a parent is difficult, especially as a child. Elementary school aged children lack the foresight as to what lies ahead and instead focus on the moment. Time may heal all wounds, but as a child, time takes forever … Continue reading Strength in Grief