Helping Men to Grieve
It’s hard to sort through the flood of emotions that typify grief: intense sadness, numbness, even anger and guilt. How long someone grieves varies from person to person. A man who loses a wife or child may grieve for three years or more, particularly when the death is unexpected.
Most people eventually adjust after the death of a loved one. The key is admitting the loss and the painful feelings that go with it. For some, these actions may help:
- Openly sharing feelings with friends and family
- Joining a grief support group
- Writing thoughts in a journal
Signs that grief may have turned into major depression or anxiety include feelings of worthlessness, persistent thoughts of death or trouble carrying out everyday activities. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention.
“Well-meaning family and friends may not be the only choice for helping the bereaved deal with grief,” said Ann Dittmar, outpatient therapist for Excela Health, who facilitates a biweekly grief support group. “Seeking professional help from someone who understands the grief process provides the confidential environment in which the person is never judged, but free to process his or her emotions.”
Excela Health offers support groups
for people experiencing the death of a
loved one or a pregnancy loss. For dates
and times, contact the Excela Health Call
Center,
