WE ARE SORRY for your loss 💛

[SummerOnTheWay1]

THIS GROUP IS OPEN TO ALL GRIEVERS NO MATTER HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN [years,days].

To participate, click on reply button at bottom of this post. Enter your comment. Click on reply again.

Grief & Loss Team  🤗

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌💤‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌😴‌‌‌   NOT Sleeping At Nights?

Try to "nap" during the day.

Why?

Even a FEW MINUTES of "shut eye" will help with YOUR sadness. ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

Luv,

Nicole ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ (Grief Forum)

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌🕯‌‌   Be SPECIFIC: Tell people what you need (e.g., a hug, help with errands).

*** Yes, we DONOT want to be a "burden" but they want to HELP. ‌‌ ‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🏡‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   The EXPERTS tell us to WAIT before making Housing Decisions!!!

Why?

While WE ARE GRIEVING, sometimes we tend to make "decisions" based on OUR EMOTIONS.

We want the "memories" to NOT hurt!!!

Maybe "step away" from YOUR Housing Setup & stay with family/friends.

Use THIS TIME to deal with the stuff that CANNOT WAIT.

Then REVISIT the Housing Topic.

Some of us stayed put & made changes.

Some of us downsized as finances had changed.

Some of us relocated to be near to family.

DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU ALWAYS.

Grief  & Loss Team  ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

🪔   You might need to:

(1) Write a NEW will and UPDATE your advance care planning.

(2) Look into a durable power of attorney for legal matters and health care in case you are unable to make your own medical decisions in the future.

(3) Put JOINT property (such as a house or car) in your name.

(4) Consider changes you may need to make to your health insurance as well as to your life, car, and homeowner’s insurance.

(5) Make a list of BILLS you will need to pay in the next few months, for example, your rent or mortgage; utilities such as electricity, water, and phone and internet services; insurance; and state and federal taxes.

*** Try NOT to "stress" and take 1 step at a time!

[SummerOnTheWay1]

🏞‌   JUST FOR TODAY - Take a walk or drive to somewhere beautiful. BOTH will remind YOU of nature & how nature SURVIVES no matter what. Wildlife ALSO lose luv ones but somehow NEVER give up. Hey, WE CAN DO THE SAME my friend(s). You got this!!! ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌♻️‌‌‌   SOME of us have been MEMBERS of this group for YEARS.

Over the YEARS, we stop by "when we can" to SHARE and also to SUPPORT other members.

This group is NOT only about grief & loss - it is about ALL areas of our lives that have been "affected" by our loss.

Support that NEVER ends.

So stop by when you can to see us.

Grief & Loss Team ‌‌‌🤗‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📸[*** .gif attached] WE care about YOU!!!

[SummerOnTheWay1]

🙁‌  DEPRESSION: In this stage, we begin to realize and feel the true extent of the death or loss. Common signs of depression in this stage include trouble sleeping, poor appetite, fatigue, lack of energy, and crying spells. We may also have self-pity and feel lonely, isolated, empty, lost, and anxious.

*** Maybe talking to a professional may help. But family and friends are okay too.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

😤‌   ANGER: A necessary stage, where pain RESURFACES, sometimes directed at doctors, family, or the deceased.

*** WE ALL have our "moments" = NEVER feel you are a bad person when you do!!! Try to "talk" about this with people who "understand & donot judge". With TIME, you will find PEACE.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌👣‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   Creating a NEW LIFE AFTER A LOSS is not easy, but we will ONE STEP AT A TIME.

Sometimes in life WE NEED TO TAKE A STEP BACKWARD.

Why?

WE may have thought we had a SOLUTION to an "issue" only to find it IT WAS NOT A FIT.

It is okay. You got out there dear friend(s) INSTEAD OF STAYING IN BED sleeping your life away.

It is OKAY to "step backwards" to REGROUP & TRY AGAIN when you are ready.

Luv,

Nicole  ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌  (Grief Forum)

[SummerOnTheWay1]

💡   Find healthy DISTRACTIONS: Engage in activities like reading, listening to music, volunteering, or light exercise.

*** WE "deserve" moments of peace and relaxation on OUR Healing Journey!

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📌   It CHANGES You: Grief may alter your perspective on life, priorities, and beliefs.

*** Sometimes it "reminds" us to make time for the people we CARE about TODAY. Tomorrow is NOT "promised" to any of us.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌♻️‌‌‌‌‌‌   ARE YOU NEW TO OUR FORUM [Grief & Loss]? ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤔‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

[1] You can either create a NEW POST or JOIN another post created by another member to share YOUR JOURNEY.

[2] IF you need help with anything on THIS SITE, you can "reply" to this post or send me a PM (AARP Private Message).

[3] WE have ALL been "new" at some point & this site can be a "challenge" to use.

Grief & Loss Team ‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌ ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📸[*** .gif attached] Just in case YOU need one, WE are sending one YOUR way 🤗💛

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌🪔   Key Grief SUPPORT Resources & Services!

[1] Support GROUPS: Offers nationwide support groups. Local funeral homes and churches also provide community groups.

[2] Counseling & Therapy: Licensed professionals provide specialized grief counseling to help process emotions.

[3] HOSPICE Bereavement Services: Provide free, up to one-year follow-up support for families, including phone calls and counseling.

[4] ONLINE/National Resources: Offer educational resources and coping strategies.

[5] Support for CHILDREN: There are organizations who specialize in helping children and teens.

[6] IMMEDIATE Crisis Support: If you are in crisis, call or text your local Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

*** IF one does NOT work for you, "try" another one. NEVER give up on finding a fit.  ‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📍  Practice SELF-CARE: Maintain routines, eat well, and try to get regular sleep.

*** Self care is NOT being selfish. It is about "surviving" the best you can while grieving. ‌‌‌‌‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌📍‌‌  Offer to HELP!

NOT everyone feels comfortable asking for help, even when they need it. Pay attention to ways you can assist and volunteer to help.

(1) Can you drive the kids to school?

(2) Help with the laundry?

(3) Cook or provide grocery gift cards to help keep everyone fed?

*** Just ask them what "help" they need!

[SummerOnTheWay1]

♻️   Because you are GRIEVING you may "feel" unable to "reply" to (support) ANOTHER GRIEVER here in the AARP Grief & Loss Forum.

But doing so (replying) has helped ALL of OUR GROUP members "feel" more in control of THEIR GRIEF.

Why?

Maybe because being a GRIEVER themselves = they know what TO SAY = comforting someone else "fills" THEIR INSIDES with "feeling" they have HELPED someone.

Thank you SO MUCH for stopping by when you can.

Grief & Loss Team 🤗

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📸[*** Attachment] Sending a HUG your way my friend 🤗💛

[SummerOnTheWay1]

❌️   Myth:

Grieving should last about a YEAR.

✅️   Fact:

There is NO specific time frame for grieving. How long it takes DIFFERS from person to person.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📌     There will be GOOD & BAD days. You may feel guilty or surprised for laughing at a joke or enjoying a visit with a friend. It is important to understand that these can be common feelings.

*** OUR "emotions" are a part of OUR journey moving forward.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

🪔   Choose!

Making intentional choices during grief allows YOU to navigate YOUR emotions and regain a sense of CONTROL over YOUR life. This might mean choosing to engage in activities that promote YOUR well-being or deciding to take a step back from certain social engagements that feel overwhelming.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📸[*** .gif attached] WE care about YOU!!!

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌♻️‌   "Online" WELLNESS CHECKS!!!

[1] WE check on Group Members monthly (1st).

[2] WE do "understand" that there are days or nights WE donot feel like "chatting". That is part of OUR JOURNEY to "creating" a life without the person WE lost. ‌😭‌

[3] That is OKAY. Stop by when you do. OUR WELCOME MAT IS ALWAYS OUTSIDE OUR DOOR.

Grief & Loss Team ‌🤗‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

INHIBITED grief!

This can happen when you don't take time to recognize or process your feelings of grief. It can lead to physical problems, such as panic attacks or trouble sleeping.

*** Counseling may help with this or just being surrounded by people who CARE. Grief is a "journey" and taking "1 step at a time" may help.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌🕯‌‌‌‌‌   Try one of the SUGGESTIONS below:

(1) ONLINE support groups. Many online forums or support groups online are free and can help offer support from the home.

(2) ONLINE therapy or counseling sessions. If you’re looking for a therapist or counselor to address your grief or loss, many offer online sessions that you can attend from your home.

(3) SUPPORT books. Books can be a great way to understand grief and sorrow, and they can provide tips to help overcome these feelings. Check your local library or ask a librarian for recommendations.

(4) COMMUNITY resources. Some communities offer grief and loss counseling or resources. Check with your local community center, senior center, faith community, or hospital to learn about what they offer.

*** You may NOT be ready to "talk" at first. But it is always nice to know what is out there when you are READY.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

♻️   "Online" SUPPORT for your journey - before you bury your luv one & after. ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

SO MANY decisions to be made!!!

Let us help you through all of this = WE ALSO lost someone we cared about.

Grief & Loss Team ‌‌‌‌‌🤗

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📸[*** .gif attached] Sending a HUG your way my friend 🤗💛

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌💰‌‌‌‌‌   Find LOW-COST OR FREE mental health services!

(1) MEDICARE does offer FREE "monthly" sessions IF "referred" by your Primary Care Physician.

(2) Some mental health professionals may offer a "sliding-fee scale," meaning what you pay will be based on your income.

(3) When you call to make an appointment, ask if they offer a sliding-fee scale or a low-cost option.

(4) You can also ask if they offer a payment plan to help you spread out the costs over time.

*** Sometimes a church may offer support during and after the burial of your luv one. Ask them what options are available to members and non-members.