Grieving the death of a loved one is a normal process involving emotional, physical and mental reactions. It can also feel unfamiliar, isolating and at times overwhelming. Learning to adjust and heal can take time. There is no right way to grieve, and it is important to be patient and kind to yourself during this time.
Grief Programs
The James offers a variety of supportive programs that are designed for adults who have experienced the loss of a loved one to cancer, other chronic illnesses or natural causes. Programs require pre-registration.
For additional information, contact The James Bereavement Services at 614-293-6428 or email JamesGriefSupport@osumc.edu.
Workshops
Workshops for adults provide information and education about grief and ways of coping. Each of these workshops is offered twice a year, and participants may attend one or more workshop.
- The First Year of Grief – What to expect, common grief reactions and typical needs while grieving.
- What Makes Grief So Difficult? – Common misunderstandings about grief, as well as feelings and experiences that make grief challenging.
- Ways to Cope with Loss – Ways to handle grief and adjust to life after loss.
- Adults Dealing with Parent Loss – Common reactions to a parent’s death and helpful ways to cope.
- Caregiver's Grief: Life After Loss – Learning to cope with your grief while re-defining your life.
- Grieving the Death of an Adult Child – Learn some ways to cope with this significant loss, connect with others and receive grief resources.
- Grieving the Death of an Adult Sibling –The loss of an adult sibling is complex and is often unappreciated as an important loss. Our siblings are an important part of our formative years, family traditions, sibling rivalry, family history, and intimate family experiences. This workshop will focus on the unique factors associated with loss of an adult sibling, common grief reactions related with this loss, ways of coping and resources.
- Coping with Holidays and Other Special Occasions – Activities and tips for coping with grief during the holidays and special occasions.
- Caregiver’s Grief: Grief Before the Loss of a Loved One – Focus on unique experiences of pre-loss grief, needs often experienced by caregivers, ways to cope with pre-loss grief and resources.
Support Groups
Support groups meet for 4 weeks and are open to all adults whose loss occurred between two and 18 months ago. The support groups provide a safe space to connect with others who are grieving the loss of an adult loved one and offer emotional support, information, and resources.
- Seasons of Grief Support Group – This support group provides the opportunity to connect with others who are grieving and to discuss and learn healthy responses to various aspects of grief.
- Spouse or Significant Other Loss Support Group – This group brings individuals together who are dealing with similar grief experiences related to the death of a spouse or significant other.
Individual Bereavement Support
Available up to three contacts for bereaved adults of patients at The James who have experienced a death of a loved one due to cancer within the past 13 months. To schedule an appointment, please call the James Supportive Care Clinic at 614-366-8700.
Grief Resources
Grief Booklet: "Learning to Live With Loss"
This booklet provides basic information and coping tips focusing on the first year of grief following the death of a loved one.
Patient Education Handouts
- Anticipatory Grief for Caregivers/Family Members
- Anticipatory Grief for Patients
- Approaching the Final Days
- Coping When a Loved One is Seriously Ill
- Death, Loss and Grief - Helping Children and Teens Understand and Cope
- How to Grieve When You Are Unable to Attend a Funeral or Memorial Service
- Infertility and Grief
- Supporting Someone Who is Grieving
- When You Are Unable to be With Your Loved One During Their Final Days
- Where to Begin After a Death
Internet Resources
These professional organizations are a great resource for learning more about the grieving process. Each source is trusted and contains up-to-date information.
Books on Grief and Coping
There are many books on grief and loss. Here are a few options for adults, children and teens.