I remember the first time I found out about the pregnancy loss support group that was available to me, and it changed my life.
It was hard for me to find anything online about miscarriage at all. It was like some sort of secret society where women whispered about their losses in grocery store lines and then went home alone to suffer quietly in their sorrow.
Today, however, there are many places you can go online to find people who understand your pain and want nothing more than for you to heal.
Whether you’re looking for an outlet or a community where you can speak openly about what happened (and it didn’t work out), here are some places I recommend:
| Takeaway |
|---|
| Seeking support online can be a valuable resource for coping with grief and loss. |
| Building a support system after experiencing grief and loss is essential for emotional healing. |
| Supporting children through grief requires open communication, patience, and compassion. |
| The power of a support system during times of grief cannot be overstated. |
| Understanding the five stages of grief is crucial for coping with loss and finding hope in the future. |
| Participating in online grief support groups can offer additional resources and support during the grieving process. |
| It’s important to find the level of support that feels right for you and to seek help when you need it. |
Facebook Groups
Facebook is a great place to find support. It’s free, easy to navigate and has an extensive list of groups for people who have lost loved ones.
To find groups in your area, simply type “loss of child” or “loss of baby” into the Facebook search bar. You can also search by location.
Once you join a group, don’t be afraid to reach out and make new friends! Groups are a great way to connect with others who have experienced similar losses and will help you realize that you’re not alone on this journey.
“Supporting children through grief requires a delicate approach that involves open communication, patience, and compassion. Our guide for parents offers valuable tips and strategies to help children cope with loss.” – Supporting Children Through Grief: A Guide for Parents
Reddit is a forum where people can discuss just about anything. It’s home to many different communities and interests, so you’re sure to find one that fits your own. You may already know this, but if not: it’s also a great place to find support after a loss.
To get started, I’d suggest browsing the subreddit called /r/grief (or simply typing in this link). This page has links to several other subreddits related to grief support (for example: /r/askaboutgrief), as well as some general advice on how to navigate life after losing someone special.
Meetup.com
Meetup.com is a great resource for finding local support groups. You can search for groups by location, topic and interest on the site, or you can create your own group as well. The site is free to join and use, so it’s a great way to find like-minded people who are also dealing with loss in their own lives.
Griefshare.org
Griefshare.org is a free, Christ-centered, 12-week small group study that helps you build a foundation for healing and recovery. It’s designed to be flexible enough to meet the needs and schedules of busy people and it’s a great way to connect with others who are experiencing similar things in life.
Through video lessons, group discussions and workbook exercises, you’ll learn how God can meet you in your unique grief journey and discover His peace and grace in ways you never imagined possible!
A grief support group may be helpful if:
- You feel alone or need someone to talk with about what happened
- You want help processing your feelings about death
- You’re not sure how to manage daily life as it relates to death (e.g., making decisions that honor the deceased person)
“Building a support system after experiencing grief and loss is essential for healing, and finding strength in community can make a significant difference. Our guide on how to build a support system after a loss provides practical tips and suggestions to help you find the support you need.” – Finding Strength in Community: How to Build a Support System After a Loss
Your Place of Worship
Your place of worship is a place where you feel safe and secure. It is a place where you can be yourself, open up, express your feelings and find support.
In many cases, when people experience loss they turn to their faith to find comfort and hope in the healing process. The importance of having these types of places cannot be stressed enough!
Counseling
Counseling is a great way to learn how to cope with your loss and deal with grief.
Counseling can help you understand your feelings, so that you don’t feel as if they are something you have to hide from the world.
Finding a therapist can be difficult, but there are many ways in which you can find one who will work for you and help in your healing process.
| Counseling Websites | Description |
|---|---|
| BetterHelp | A platform with licensed therapists to help you cope with grief and loss |
| Talkspace | Offers online counseling, specifically for those dealing with grief and loss |
| 7 Cups | Online emotional support chat, with anonymous listeners being available to talk 24/7 |
You could look for someone at local churches or ask friends for recommendations or even consider contacting counselors at universities near where you live (they often offer low-cost counseling services).
“When coping with grief and loss, building a support system is crucial for emotional healing. Our article on 10 ways to build a support system for grief and loss provides actionable advice and resources for seeking the support you need.” – 10 Ways to Build a Support System for Grief and Loss
Support Groups in Your Area
Support groups are a great way to connect with others who are also grieving. You might find that you have a lot in common with the other members of the group, and that they can help you understand what you’re going through.
Support groups allow you to express your feelings and ask questions without feeling judged or criticized by strangers or therapists.
While support groups usually cost nothing or very little money, there might be some small fees required for materials like books or pamphlets.
You can find support groups in your area through your church, hospital, or local community center. If there are no support groups near where you live then it’s possible that someone else on social media has created one!
| Support Groups | Description |
|---|---|
| Compassionate Friends | A support group for parents who have lost children. Has local chapters nationwide. |
| GriefShare | Offers a 13-week program with group discussions and supportive materials, found in many churches and community centers. |
| Bereaved Parents of the USA | Provides support and resources for parents who have lost children, with chapters throughout the United States. |
Camp Erin
Camp Erin is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping grieving parents and their families. Their mission is to provide support, education and hope after the death of a child or teen.
They offer many services including grief support groups, counseling, and educational programs. They have offices in Maryland, Texas, Virginia and Washington D.C., but they also provide online resources as well as phone-in support 24/7.
“The power of a support system during times of grief cannot be overstated. Seeking support from loved ones, professionals, and online communities can make a significant difference in the healing process. Learn more about the benefits of support systems in our article.” – The Power of a Support System During Times of Grief
Active Compassion Foundation
Active Compassion Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides support to families who have experienced the loss of a baby.
The organization offers online support, phone support, and in person support. They also offer information on financial assistance and how to pay for funeral expenses as well as how to plan funerals.
Heartlight Ministries/GriefShare Program
If you’re looking for support after a loss, GriefShare may be the right fit for you. It’s a Christ-centered 12-step program that helps people who are grieving. The program is free, confidential and Bible-based.
GriefShare offers four different groups that meet weekly: “The Journey of Grieving” for those dealing with the death of a loved one;
“Losses & Changes” for those dealing with divorce or other major life upheavals; “Celebrating Life” for people who want to discuss positive ways to move forward after loss; and finally “For Caregivers” which focuses on providing support to those who have experienced the death or serious illness of someone they care about deeply (the caregiver).
Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support
Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support is a Facebook group dedicated to helping people who have experienced pregnancy loss or infant loss.
The group has over 70,000 members and is a safe place to share your feelings and get support from others who have been through the same thing. It’s important that you feel comfortable sharing your story in this space, so if you don’t feel ready yet, that’s okay!
You can start by reading the posts of others or commenting on them with kind words of encouragement.
Once you are ready, you can create a post about your own experience with pregnancy/infant loss so that others can reach out to you if they need support as well.
Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support also hosts chat rooms where members can interact with one another in real time through text messaging – it’s like having a virtual coffee date with friends who understand what it’s like!
“Understanding the five stages of grief is crucial for coping with loss and finding hope in the future. Our article on the 5 stages of grief provides insights into the grieving process and offers suggestions for coping with loss.” – The 5 Stages of Grief: Understanding and Coping with Loss
Conclusion
We hope that this list of online resources will help you find the support you need to get through your grief. If you have any questions or concerns about this blog post, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here for you!
Further Reading
Online Grief Support Groups: How They Can Help You Cope: This article from Healthline discusses the benefits of online grief support groups, how to find them, and what to expect when participating in them.
The 7 Best Online Grief Support Groups of 2022: Verywell Mind offers a list of the best online grief support groups of 2022, with descriptions of each group and their features.
FAQs
What is grief?
Grief is a natural and complex emotional response to loss, whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job, or a pet. It can involve a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, and numbness.
What are the stages of grief?
The stages of grief are a widely recognized model for understanding the emotional process of grieving. The five stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. However, it’s important to note that not everyone goes through all stages or experiences them in a linear order.
What are some common physical and emotional symptoms of grief?
Physical symptoms of grief may include fatigue, insomnia, changes in appetite, and physical aches and pains. Emotional symptoms may include sadness, anger, guilt, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.
How long does grief last?
There is no set timeline for grief, and the duration of grief can vary widely depending on the individual and the circumstances of the loss. Grief is a highly personal and individual experience, and it’s important to give yourself time and space to process your emotions.
How can I find support for my grief?
There are many ways to find support for grief, including online support groups, therapy, grief counseling, and support from family and friends. It’s important to find the level of support that feels right for you and to seek help when you need it.
My name is Hellen James. I’m a grief and loss recovery expert who has helped people across the country to move beyond their grief and move forward with their lives.
