What is Bereavement?
The verb bereave is defined as “to deprive, rob, strip, dispossess…mostly of immaterial possessions, life hope, etc.” and, alternatively, as “to deprive of anything valued; to leave destitute, or widowed” (Oxford English Dictionary Online, 1989). Bereavement, therefore, would be the resulting state or condition of having been deprived of something or someone of value. In the case of the death of a loved one, the life or presence of the loved one would be the valued item that was robbed or stripped.
Bereavement is a normal and natural condition that occurs when someone or something of value is lost. As part of bereavement, individuals may experience a range of reactions, from emotional to social to physical. For instance a bereaved person might experience anger at losing their family member or changes in their sleep patterns (too little sleep or too much sleep) following the loss. While reactions such as these are common among those who are bereaved, bereavement is certainly not uniform and not all who are bereaved experience this state in the same way. Certain bereaved individuals might experience and display intense reactions, while others do not. The reactions of the bereaved are influenced by a number of characteristics and factors, such as the closeness of the relationship with the deceased, the circumstances surrounding the death, the coping resources and support systems of the bereaved, and cultural and environmental influences.
It is most important to understand and recognize the feelings of bereavement following loss and to, if desired or possible, to share these feelings and reactions with others. For some, this may include speaking with friends and family members. For others, professional help with bereavement may be more beneficial. Help is available through a wide range of sources, including face-to-face counseling, educational services, and online counseling and mutual support such as those offered through this website.
For more information on bereavement and support, click on the following resource link: Factsheet on Bereavement
O-H Hospice Bereavement Services
Here at O-H Hospice we offer a youth support group, adolescent support group, widow support groups, cancer support groups, and adult support groups.
We offer individual grief counseling M-F between 10am-6pm for 45 minute sessions and Saturdays from 10am-12pm
We also offer chaplain counseling for questions on spirtuality M-F between 10am-5pm and Sundays from 12-2pm.
For more information, please call Michelle at (614) 555-0000.
Katie's Experience with Bereavement Support Group
Caleb's Exeperience with Bereavement Support Group
Disclaimer
This is NOT a real bereavement service provider. Please contact the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization or the National Hospice Foundation to find a hospice organization near you.
To view Developing an Online Community for Grieving Adolescents project here.