How do I get started with grief support?

You may be able to find support as soon as you experience loss or trauma. For example, you can find support through hospice services if your loved one was in hospice care. Hospitals often have support counselors, social workers, or chaplains who can help you. They can also direct you to a support resource that is right for you.

Here are different support resources:

  • Counseling services
  • Support for children
  • Spiritual support services
  • Grief for military members and families
Counseling services

Professional counselors can help you throughout the process of loss or trauma. The hospital might have some counselors to offer support to you. They should also be able to direct you to outside help if you would prefer that. Counselors help you through the grieving process and can connect you to other resources such as legal aid, financial help, and next steps.

Support for children

Children often grieve for a longer time than adults. They might wonder if they had anything to do with the loss or trauma, if they are at risk, or who will take care of them.

A first step to support children is to be open about the loss of the loved one. You can use simple and direct explanations about the death. Also, answer any questions children might have in a simple and direct way.

Spiritual support services

Your spiritual health is just as important as your biological, social, and mental health. Spirituality is at the heart of who we are and how we live in the world. Chaplains at the hospital, leaders at your worship center, and even some counseling services can provide spiritual support to help with loss or trauma.

Grief support for military members and families

You will have a casualty assistance officer, or CAO, to help you. They serve as a connection between you and the military. They know the military resources that can help you. For example, they can help you with:

  • Planning a funeral and burial
  • Getting compensation and survivor benefits
  • Finding support from a counselor