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When a loved one passes away, it can be an extremely difficult time for the family left behind. While each family handles grief differently, there are certain things that can help the grieving process. Finding grief resources in Memphis is a good first step.
Memphis families can find support groups, talk to therapists or family and friends, and create a plan for how they want to remember their loved one. In this blog, we’ve covered ways you can cope when a loved one passes away and how to begin the funeral planning process. We’ve also included information on how long grief typically lasts and tips on dealing with your finances when planning a funeral.
Understanding grief
Grief is an emotional response to the loss of a loved one, experienced differently by each individual.
Elisabeth Kubler Ross, a renowned psychologist, helped us to understand grief by breaking it into five stages. Her work revolutionized how we make sense of grief. According to Kubler Ross, there are five stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. While everyone will experience these in their own unique way and in the order that comes naturally, they offer a good guideline to what you can expect to go through.
Each stage has its own set of symptoms and can last for varying lengths of time. Some people may experience grief more intensely than others, but everyone goes through these stages in some form or another as they process their grief after the loss of a loved one.
Acceptance of the loss can help bring closure to the grieving process and help you start rebuilding. This will allow you to move forward with your life without dwelling on the past or feeling constantly hopeful about the future. By accepting your grief, you can begin to heal and find peace within yourself.
Getting there will take time, and the following resources for grief in Memphis will help you get there. This additional information can make it easier to find a safe place to find your way through grief in Memphis, Tennessee.
Finding support groups in Memphis
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There are various grief support groups available in the Memphis area. Some of the popular ones include Camp Good Grief, Kemmons Wilson Family Center for Good Grief, and Holidays with Hope workshops. These groups provide a safe space for individuals to talk and connect with others who have experienced grief. They offer group counseling sessions that help survivors process their grief and come to terms with their loss.
The Healing Hearts Group is another option for those struggling with grief. The group meets on the third Saturday of each month from 10:30 am to noon at White Station Church of Christ. The group offers support and resources for surviving grief, as well as encouragement and positive feedback.
Another option is suicide support groups like Suicide Anonymous, which provides depression support and counseling for those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts, depression, and other mental health disorders.
A good support group for grief will help you to know that you’re not alone, and though that might not seem like a lot, it’s actually a big part of recovering from loss. While you may not realize it, the right support group can make all the difference.
Know that it can be difficult to find a support group that fits into your schedule and has an opening. It’s worth it to keep trying. Places of worship in Memphis like churches, synagogues, and mosques, are one of the best ways to find a support group. You can also check with hospice groups like Crossroads Hospice, Methodist Hospice, and Avalon Hospice in Memphis to find support groups. They’re a great place to get a referral.
Support groups are run by licensed counselors or faith leaders who can guide you through the stages of grief. Joining a Memphis grief support group is one of the best things you can do for yourself if you’re struggling with the loss of a loved one.
What happens if grief is left untreated?
While everyone loses someone sometime in their life, when lingering grief or severe grief goes untreated, it can be a real problem.
Unresolved grief is a feeling of sadness, guilt, or depression following the loss of a loved one. It can last for months or even years if left untreated. Unresolved grief can lead to physical and mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of unresolved grief may include denial, anger, guilt, and despair.
One-on-one grief counseling can help process emotions and achieve acceptance as well as begin rebuilding. With the help of a grief counselor, you can learn how to process your feelings and grieve in a healthy way. You can also find support through group counseling sessions or individual counseling sessions with a grief counselor.
The sooner you seek out support following the loss of a loved one, the easier it will be to manage your emotions and move forward with your life. You can tackle your grief and take care of yourself while still honoring your loved one. It’s so difficult, but well worth it in the long run.
When to seek therapy
If you’re dealing with the grief of losing a loved one, professional help may be necessary. Bereavement specialists in Memphis, TN can provide support and counseling as needed. They offer therapy and services for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
You should seek therapy at any time during the grieving process. This is not a moment to feel alone or that you are not being tough enough. Carving out time for your grieving process is a form of self care, no matter who you are or how long its been since your loved one passed.
Everyone processes grief a little differently, but everyone can benefit from working with a licensed therapist. You deserve to be at peace with what has happened to your loved one. You deserve to have a life that is free from excessive mourning.
Seek therapy when you feel overwhelmed with grief, whether it’s been three months, three years, or three decades since your loved one passed on.
Navigating funeral planning
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Funeral planning can be overwhelming and intensely stressful. If you’ve been left behind to take care of funeral arrangements for someone who passed away in Memphis, you have lots of resources.
As a family member of a deceased loved one, it’s vital you understand your rights and responsibilities as an executor or administrator. Research the options available for funeral services, burial, cremation, and memorials to ensure you make informed decisions. It is important to understand the various costs associated with funeral planning, as well as the emotional and physical toll this process can take on family members.
Memphis, Tennessee is home to dozens of funeral homes and burial services. Speak with several before you make a decision.
While it can seem like the clock is ticking immediately after someone dies, remember that you have time to make plans. Don’t feel rushed to do it all instantly, and let others take on the burden by doing planning. What your loved one would really want is for you to take care of yourself. By taking the time necessary to plan a dignified final farewell, you can help ease the burden on your loved ones and yourself.
Learning how to take help from friends and family
If you’re experiencing grief after the death of a loved one, support from friends and family can be beneficial in managing the grief process.
When someone passes away in Memphis, it’s common for family and friends to descend onto you initially with offers of support. As much as you can, allow people to do things for you when someone passes away in Memphis. Let them bring you food or take part in the planning. The more you allow someone else to take on those tasks, the better supported you’ll feel and the easier it will be for you to move on in the long run.
Accepting help during the loss of a loved one can be difficult if you are used to being independent, but it’s important for you to look at it from their point of view. Often, helping someone through a difficult time helps people process their own grief. It’s good for everyone involved.
How long does it take to move on?
Grief can last months to years depending on the individual and the circumstances. It is important to acknowledge, accept, and process the grief in a healthy way. Setting goals, seeking support from friends and family, and participating in grief counseling can help survivors move forward.
However, grief doesn’t always go away quickly. Often it takes time for individuals to feel better after a loved one passes away. It is important to stay positive and put effort into healing during this difficult time.
If you are unable to process your grief, you may feel unable to move on. But it is possible to heal and begin to feel better with time and perseverance. Grief can come back to you even years after you’ve lost someone. That’s ok, and it just means that they had a deep impact on your life.
Dealing with houses & property
After a loved one has died, there may be many issues to consider, including the probate process. The probate process involves legal proceedings to transfer property ownership in a person’s name after their death. The deceased’s heirs must complete the probate process, which can be tedious and complicated.
Depending on the type of property and the circumstances of the deceased’s passing, you may want to consider different options for transferring property ownership, such as a transfer-on-death deed. This option allows you to quickly and easily transfer ownership of a home from one party to another after the death of a specified beneficiary. It also ensures that any outstanding mortgage debts are paid out in full.
You may also want to file an affidavit of heirship if you inherit property through a will or other inheritance. However, this is only necessary in certain situations, so it’s important to consult an attorney if necessary.
Inheriting a house in Memphis can come with its own set of challenges, which are wholly different from the rest of the grieving process. Cleaning out a loved one’s home, going through their things, and then navigating probate or even a direct inheritance are all part of the overall process.
What support is available to someone who is grieving?
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Grief counseling and support groups are available to provide emotional support to those who are grieving. Grief counseling can include individual counseling, couples counseling, family counseling, or grief-specific support groups. These counseling sessions provide an open space and a safe environment for individuals to start exploring their emotions and feelings without judgment.
GriefShare is an online resource that has a wide variety of possible supports, all set in a friendly and caring environment to help people cope with the grief process. It is designed to provide comfort and hope by offering resources, like video seminars, online support groups, and grief booklets, for individuals to explore grief at their own pace. They have specific groups that meet in Memphis if you want in-person support.
Lastly, professional counseling is an option for those who are struggling with grief or need more guidance on their journey. A counselor will be able to assess your situation and provide you with tailored advice on the best way for you to move forward in life with the loss of a loved one.
When we lose a loved one, our grief is as unique as the relationship we shared with them. While experiencing grief can be a challenging and overwhelming process, there are many resources that can help you cope. From organizations and support groups to therapists and counselors, Memphis offers many options for support.
When you’re going through loss, it’s important to remember that you aren’t alone. Friends and family can provide much-needed support during times of grief. Seeking professional help is another way to process your grief. If you are facing the loss of a loved one, our condolences. We hope this article helps you get started on processing your feelings of grief.
