Bereavement Support Group
Who are we?
The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Bereavement Support Group offers spiritual support and friendship to those who are suffering a bereavement. This can be the loss of a loved one or other significant life event such as miscarriage, loss of career or on-set of illness We are not counsellors, but have under gone training from the Alexandra Hospital Chaplaincy: we have experienced bereavement ourselves and we are fully supported by the Priests at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. |
Grieving can be a lonely process even when supported by family and friends. It takes time; it cannot be rushed and sometimes being supported by someone unconnected to your personal life can be a huge help.
Everyone copes with loss and grief in our own way: there is no right or wrong way to grieve and no given time.
Bereavement can cause very strong feelings. These feelings are natural and to be expected but can be very distressful and frightening. They need to be work through and because they are so often experienced by people, are frequently described as a ‘Grieving Process’. Such feelings that can be experienced are:
Everyone copes with loss and grief in our own way: there is no right or wrong way to grieve and no given time.
Bereavement can cause very strong feelings. These feelings are natural and to be expected but can be very distressful and frightening. They need to be work through and because they are so often experienced by people, are frequently described as a ‘Grieving Process’. Such feelings that can be experienced are:
DENIAL Disbelief - ‘This can’t be happening’
ANGER ‘How can this be happening to me?’ ‘Who is to blame?’
BARGAINING Often a negotiation with God for the pain to be taken away in exchange for a reformed life-style.
DEPRESSION ‘I miss my love one so much, why go on?’. This can be a time of withdrawal, may refuse to see visitors or receive help. A time spent crying. A very difficult time - not only for you but for those around you.
RELIEF Especially if it has been a very long or difficult illness - and this in turn can lead to feelings of
GUILT That it is wrong to enjoy life again
Mourning can last up to a year or two, but it varies considerably and no-one can put a time frame upon it. Just when we thought we were OK the feelings can suddenly creep upon us again at any time, just when you least expect it.
ANGER ‘How can this be happening to me?’ ‘Who is to blame?’
BARGAINING Often a negotiation with God for the pain to be taken away in exchange for a reformed life-style.
DEPRESSION ‘I miss my love one so much, why go on?’. This can be a time of withdrawal, may refuse to see visitors or receive help. A time spent crying. A very difficult time - not only for you but for those around you.
RELIEF Especially if it has been a very long or difficult illness - and this in turn can lead to feelings of
GUILT That it is wrong to enjoy life again
Mourning can last up to a year or two, but it varies considerably and no-one can put a time frame upon it. Just when we thought we were OK the feelings can suddenly creep upon us again at any time, just when you least expect it.
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How can we help you?
If you feel you would like extra support with your personal bereavement journey, the group is here to help. We can offer one to one help - just contact the Parish Office and one of the members will arrange to meet up with you. |
The Tree of Hope
You may have seen our Tree of Hope, it stands in the church and is there for anyone who wishes to hang a leaf with their own particular petition or sorrow. Please feel free to take a leaf any time and write a name or message to hang on the tree and then take some time to offer up a prayer. |
