Sharon Buck, MSW, LCSW

Transitions can feel difficult.

Helpful information about how to respond lovingly on Social Media to a friend who is grieving.

None of us ever wants to see a true friend in pain. Unfortunately, few suggestions help people feel better. Even if you experienced a similar loss, having someone tell you that they “know how you feel” rarely rings true. No one ever really knows how another feels! At best we remember how we felt, but that’s not the same.

Instead of offering reasons why they should not feel their feelings, you let them see that their pain touches your heart! You might simply comment that it breaks your heart to hear of their loss, or tell them you care. An emoji of a sad face is a more positive response to their pain, rather than a comment about why they should not feel bad.

You might consider simply sharing a fond memory of that person who died, as a way of letting them know how important they were in your life.

If they live nearby, you might offer to be available to simply listen to what they have to say, with the assurance that you will not analyze, criticize, or judge them. Let them know that you are willing to simply be “a heart with ears,” that listens without judgment.

While you may have found great assistance in your own faith, at times of personal loss, do not assume this is the best way to assist others. Grievers, especially those dealing with an emotional loss cause by a death, might still find themselves in emotional pain while still being strong in their relationship to their faith. Their relationship to their emotions and their faith are two different things! Many Christians often forget that the shortest sentence in the Bible is, “Jesus wept.” Certain, for those of that faith, is He could cry, it’s only reasonable that mere mortals might cry as well, even if their beliefs are strong!

If you want to offer direction to help them on their journey to recovery, there is one thing that can make a difference! Offer a free copy of The Grief Recovery Handbook which we will send them for free. Message me to find out how. ❤️

Please be sure to spread the word about the new 988 Mental Health Crisis Hotline.

988 is the new three-digit dialing code for the Su***de and Crisis Lifeline. Starting Saturday, July 16, you can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org if you or someone you know is having thoughts of su***de or experiencing a mental health or substance use
crisis. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3yWOxZP

: close up of a drawing of hands. A cell phone is held in the left hand. The number pad appears and the right hand is pressing the number 8. Text of image reads "988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. 988 will be available for call, text, and chat on July 16. Confidential, free, and available 24/7/365"

This Bereavement Support Group is offered on Mondays and is located right in Ocean Pines.

We are excited to announce our 6-Week Bereavement Support Group for Worcester County. This group will meet on Mondays beginning June 6 – July 18 (no meeting on July 4).

Registration is free but space is limited, so please register at www.coastalhospice.org/events/support-group-worcester/2022-06-06/