A while back, we recommended GriefNet.org as a solid resource for online bereavement support groups. After reviewing some other sites, we're still big fans of GriefNet.
Their non-profit site
now offers over 50 specialized email support groups as well as two web sites.
According to their home page:
"Our groups operate
24-hours/day, 365 days/year. Members participate when they wish and are
able to, not at a set time. When one member of a group sends an email
message to the group, everyone in the group receives a copy. This allows many
people to respond with love and caring to the thoughts and feelings of an
individual, day and night, year-round. Since 1994 these groups have helped
thousands of people around the world deal safely with their grief".
We also like the fact that there is a mental health
professional in charge:
“All groups are monitored by trained volunteers who
make sure that the groups are running smoothly. Overall supervision is provided
by Cendra Lynn, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and traumatologist.”
A sampling of GriefNet’s email groups
includes:
Grief-Widowed: a support group for anyone who has lost a partner
or a spouse at any age, at any time, of any sexual orientation. If/when
subscribers find a need for a more focused list, that can be created.
Widowed-with-Kids: for those who have lost a
partner or spouse who still have children living at home. This is a place where
the unique problems of parenting when widowed can be discussed.
Grief- Widowed Moving On: for anyone who has lost a partner or a spouse at
any age, at any time, of any sexual orientation, and who has moved on beyond
the first raw stages of dealing with that loss. This list was formed at the
request of people in grief-widowed group whose issues have become different from
those who are newly bereaved. Some persons subscribe to both lists.
Young Widowed: for those aged 40 or
under who have lost a spouse or partner. Please note: the age cut-off is only
suggested; those who feel themselves to fit into this category are welcome.
Widowed Gay: for gays who have lost a partner to death or whose partner is currently dying. Gays are also welcome in our other widowed groups and while we have never had a homophobic incident, this group was created in response to a special request from some gay widowed members.
There is also an companion site, KIDSAID.com, that offers support groups for children and teens as well as information and Q&A for parents.
Let us know what you think!
