Strategies for Dealing with Grief: A Community Grief Awareness Program

Jennifer Donovan/For the DMG

Everyone experiences loss and grief. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a major life change such as retirement or job loss, grief is an inevitable part of life. How we handle it, however, is what truly matters.

In the Keweenaw community, there are numerous grief support groups available to help those who are going through the grieving process. Recently, a community grief awareness program was held in Houghton to explore strategies for dealing with grief.

The workshop, which was sponsored by a coalition of community health and social services agencies, including Omega House, a hospice and respite care center, brought together nearly two dozen community residents and professionals who work with grieving individuals. The program took place at Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church in Houghton and lasted for four hours.

The Impact of Cultural Attitudes Towards Death and Grief

Mark Miron, an associate professor in Michigan Tech’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and a keynote speaker at the event, highlighted the impact of cultural attitudes towards death and grief. He emphasized that our culture often avoids discussing and acknowledging these topics, which in turn affects how we deal with grief.

Miron, who has extensive experience in psychiatric and mental health nursing, stressed the importance of nurses understanding grief and being able to support those facing it.

Navigating Life’s Changes and Challenges

Grief arises when our carefully laid plans and expectations are disrupted by death or other significant losses. Miron explained that the struggle of grief lies in the need to create new plans and find new ways to live. Grief is not something we can “get over,” but rather a journey of finding new meaning and purpose in life.

The Complexity of Grief

Miron also highlighted the unique nature of each individual’s grief journey. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to grieve, and people may experience grief in different ways and at different times. He emphasized that grief is a process, not an event, and individuals may move through various stages and emotions in a non-linear manner.

The Role of Supportive Communities

Cynthia Drake, the grief support educator at Omega House, expanded on Miron’s remarks, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space for grieving individuals. Drake highlighted the need to normalize grief and resist the urge to “fix” someone’s grief. Instead, she encouraged others to be present and supportive, allowing individuals to fully experience and process their grief.

Other speakers at the workshop included social workers Kim Green and Julie Beck, who discussed helpful strategies for coping with grief. They emphasized the importance of expressing emotions, taking care of one’s physical and mental well-being, and seeking support from others.

Available Grief Support Groups and Resources

The workshop concluded with a gentle movement session led by Roberta Rosenberger, a certified grief movement guide. The session aimed to help participants find peace, acceptance, and connection in their grief journey.

For those in the Keweenaw community seeking support in their grief, there are several local support groups and online resources available. These include:

• Third Thursday Community Grief Support Group: Held monthly at Omega House.
• Grieving Parents: Support group for parents and grandparents, meeting monthly at St. Ignatius Catholic Church.
• Grieving Widows: Support group for widows, meeting monthly at Sacred Heart Church.
• Suicide Bereavement Support Group: Support group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide, meeting monthly at Lakeside Covenant Church.
• GriefShare: Nondenominational weekly program offering support and discussion at Bethany Baptist Church.
• What’s Your Grief: Online resources for coping with grief, including brochures on various types of loss.
• Grief in Motion: Movement-based support for releasing pain and finding healing.
• Community Coalition on Grief and Bereavement: Provides education, support, and referrals for those in need.

Grief is a challenging and complex experience, but with the support of a caring community and the willingness to explore and process our emotions, it is possible to find healing and new ways of living. Remember, grief is a unique journey for each individual, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve.