Grief & Loss
Losing a loved one is extraordinarily painful and throws us into a state of grief. At this time, it is really important find places to talk about our feelings, to reflect on our deceased friend or relative, and have support.
Grief is a normal response to loss. But it can feel anything but normal. It throws us into a place of uncertainty and confusion, even when the loss was anticipated. As we age, we experience many losses; some we expect, some we do not expect, and some we do not even think of as “losses.” We expect to grieve when we lose a spouse, partner, parent, child or friend. We may expect to grieve if we lose a pet who is a trusted and long-term companion or if we have to change our living situation. But, we also need to acknowledge and mourn other losses - loss of mobility, loss of good health, or financial losses.
Even though we all experience grief, it remains a personal journey. Support matters. Below are some resources you may find helpful.
- The 24-hour Friendship Line at (415) 752-3778 is available 8am-11pm for all calls, and from 11pm – 8am for crisis calls. Friendship Line is there for people feeling bereaved, depressed, isolated, suicidal, abused, or lonely. Outgoing calls are also scheduled for emotional support and well-being checks. Outside of San Francisco, the toll-free number is (800) 971-0016.
- Individual Supportive Counseling and Psychotherapy: Meeting with a professional can help work through a time of intense transition. Bereavement counseling provides a space for acknowledging loss, and for allowing a person to identify and express feelings of anger, guilt, fear, anxiety, or sorrow. Please call (415) 750-4111 for more information or to make an appointment. Home visits may be arranged.
- Support groups for grief and loss are available as drop-in groups, or 8-week groups. Please visit our Support Groups page for specifics, or contact Liya Bachakashvili by email: lbachakashvili@ioaging.org or phone: (415) 750-4180 x203.
- Bay Area Jewish Healing Center offers ongoing spiritual support groups and other grief related services from a Jewish perspective. Please contact (415) 750-4197 or visit the BAJHC web site(www.jewishhealingcenter.org).
- IOA Information and Referral is available Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm at (415) 750-4111.