Take what you like and leave the rest.
You, also, might help someone by just being there.

I found the hospice grief group very helpful. I actually looked forward to going as a reason to get out of the house and to just be among people since I am retired. Think of grief as a process. Get some books and gain an understanding of the process. Then you can use the group to share feelings and experience and see how certain things are common to all suffering a loss and certain things are unique to you. Do not expect to come out of a meeting feeling better, I always felt worse and sadder after a meeting, but also felt like I was making progress by dealing with feelings and emotions out in the open rather than keeping it all shut up inside.

I went to several bereavement groups in the first year. One was a mixture of people that lost various family members and was very large. It didn't work for me. Then I found a group through hospice which was about 12 people primarily widow and widowers. That group was a huge part of my healing process. We shared, cried and supported each other. One year later we get together for coffee once a month to check in on each other. We are like extended family. The greatest gift you can give yourself is to seek support from others. Good luck.

I go to two groups. One of them is held at a hospital. It's led by a social worker. Most of the attendees are women, and most are retired. Many are grandmothers. For the first three visits, I was the only guy, and might have been the only person under 65. But later some other guys, and younger people, showed up. We would go around the room and each person would say what they felt like saying. Some people pass, others talk a long time. Some lost their spouse years ago, for others it was less than a month. Not everyone cries, but always some people do. This time of year we talk about the approaching holidays and how that is hard to do without your spouse. Some people decide to avoid the usual routine with the relatives. Afterward, we meet at the hospital cafeteria and have coffee and chat. Topics can be bereavement, or completely unrelated.

My other group is "Widows and widowers under 60". This group is informal and held at various restaurants, changing each time. Everyone is still working, and many have kids who are high school age or younger. Some have no kids.

Like this DS group, everyone tries to be positive and helpful.

I began going to a hospice widow's /widower's group 3 months after losing my husband. I joined here around the same time. I was uncomfortable walking in the first time, but the facilitator was excellent and soon we felt at ease. Sharon

I attended a widow and widower's bereavement group facilitated by a parish nurse who had lost a child earlier in her life. I cried when sharing the first few months and often cried when others were sharing as well. I found it to be so helpful to be among others who understood what I was going through and had the same emotions and feelings. I went to meetings for over a year and am glad that I did. Go to at least a few meetings before you make up your mind whether you want to continue. It is a difficult first step, especially with your having lost your spouse recently; but I really think it will be helpful to you.
Roxanne

I joined a Widow/ER group a few months ago and I am so happy that I did,,It is a place where I feel peace and everyone has many of the same emotions. It is so different than being with my friends and family who support me but they don't get it as they have not been thru it. I will be widowed 8 months shortly but joined the group six months in. I cannot wait for my next group and we are putting together a holiday party after the holidays. As a widow, I love hearing the widowers perspective of their loss as it is exactly similar to what we widows are going through...

If you go, just see how you feel, if you don't feel comfortable, give yourself a little more time, to get past the denial, then try again,. It so helped me knowing, I was not alone, and not suffering alone. Hugs carla

Thanks everyone! I've been to other groups like this. Usually one of the counselors helping others out. But, never been to a widow/ER group before. Since, I'm only 46 and my husband was 62. I wasn't really sure what to expect if anything. It's a Hospice facility, i know of a few other groups but unfortunately they also are days I work. :( But, this one works out for a bit. I'm hoping to meet someone that can relate in a similar instance like me and we could meet at times I don't work. It sucks have a day shift schedule one week and then a second shift schedule the following week. Although, I found one that starts every Saturday beginning in January - I won't be able to go every Saturday but every other Sat I can and then go spend the weekend with my Girlfriend and her hubby and my niece! Thanks for the advice - basically go without any expectations and a box of tissues!