Bereavement Support Groups Help Heal

Grief.  It’s defined simply as mental suffering or stress.

But it’s more than that. If you’ve lost a close loved one, you know the intense pain and wave of emotions that follow: denial, anger, despair and hopelessness.

The emotions are part of the healing process. But with time, patience and support, you can get to a place of peace and acceptance.

Bereavement support groups, provided by Memorial Home Services Hospice, meet twice a month in Springfield, Jacksonville and Taylorville. Members share stories and talk about how their lives have changed. They give each other tips on how to cope, offer reassurance and even develop friendships outside of the group.

Bitsy Knepler, Memorial Home Services Hospice bereavement coordinator, said the sharing helps ease the hurt and the feeling of isolation.

“Our world is one where we only get a few days off for a funeral and then we’re back to work. Our society doesn’t tackle the loss and grieving aspect. This is a place they can come and know it’s OK to cry and let themselves feel what they’re feeling.”

The groups are open to the public at no charge. If you’re struggling with the loss of a loved one –from two months or two years ago – consider attending a meeting.

Read how one person used a bereavement support group to help heal.

“Sharing is so important,” Knepler said. “Some people don’t want to burden their children, spouse or friends. This is a place everyone feels safe.”

Interested in learning more before you attend or before you encourage someone you know to attend? Read about Memorial Home Services Hospice bereavement program.

Bereavement Support Group meeting locations and times:

Springfield
Memorial Home Services
720 North Bond Street
Springfield, IL 62702

1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month  – 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Jacksonville
Passavant Area Hospital
1600 W Walnut St.
Jacksonville, IL 62650

1st & 3rd Mondays of each month   –  6 to 7:30 p.m.

Taylorville
Taylorville Memorial Hospital
201 E Pleasant St.
Taylorville, IL 62568

2nd & 4th Monday each month –  6:30 to 8 p.m.