Widows & Widowers Support Group

This community is dedicated to those who have lost a husband, wife, or partner. Anything is open for discussion here, with the hope that we can focus on grief, bereavement, life after loss, and continuing on after a great loss.

3,758 Members

19,465 Posts

0 Online

amb60 07/19/2014

I am so glad that I found DS and joined recently, only wish I would have found it when I lost David 2 1/2 years ago. There was another online blog site that I was reading and was helpful too, but I like the forum here so much better, the other one was just a weekly blog that we could write replies to, but I like the way we can have any topic discussion.
I wish that I could find a "live" support group around my area, the ones that we do have are religious based and structured. Even though I do believe in God, and have my faith, that is not what I am looking for. Sometimes just reading the different topics and replies is like sitting down with a few friends and knowing that we all understand even though we might be at different stops along this journey. If only I could find a group like this in my area, where any topic is open for discussion or where sometimes a hug is all that is needed. Just to be able to meet others even for coffee, lunch, a chance to vent, rant or whatever without feeling judged. Any ideas on where to find a group like this or how to start a small group?
Thanks,
Anna

deleted_user 07/19/2014

Hi Anna. Have you tried your local hospital for support groups? I work in a hospital and there are many support groups available.

doyew 07/19/2014

I recently read about a widow who started a group by inviting 3 widows to meet her for lunch. All different ages. They became better friends and invited others to join the group. They sometimes meet at homes, bringing potluck, or at restaurants. Word spread and other widows have joined -- I think there are over 20. There are many books, and articles to choose topics from. "Griefshare" is an online resource that many here find comforting. Someone has to take the initiative and get it going. I hope you can find a way. A friend of mine was in a group of Alzheimer patient wives that began just because they needed each other. There were 8, and they continued to meet long after the husbands were gone.
Hugs - Doye

sassiesoftail 07/19/2014

I agree it would be nice to have an in person support group. I googled my area and there are a couple. I live in a military town so there are ones that focus on that but I am not a military survivor. There is also another group but there meeting times don't work for me. Ie Thursday mornings @9:00am. I work full time, the mortgage company demands payment.
I wish you luck in finding some place where you can find peace.
Hugs, Sandi

deleted_user 07/20/2014

I think where there is no group that fits your needs you have to try to start one. Someone else said, in this forum but not in this subject, that you could advertise by putting flyers in the grocery store or wherever you might get peoples attention. There must be other people around who need support. Maybe you know other widows even remotely. Invite them for coffee. Either at your house or out somewhere. Another idea might to be to local hospice organizations. They would know about support groups in your area. They quite often offer them as do hospitals like keepmovin suggested. I even found two support groups near me on Craigslist. Don't be afraid to ask around. You'd be surprised how many people will share what they know.

cleodoggie 07/20/2014

Have you tried your local Funeral home? They sometimes have groups and if not they would know where they are.

deleted_user 07/20/2014

Hey Anna, I'm sorry you lost your love.
We all are glad that you're here and that you posted this.

DS has been an amazing source of comfort, to vent to communicate and actually it has helped the loneliness so much for me.
There are some amazingly loving people here who will reach out to you despite their own pain and give you virtual hugs (I love hugs, virtual and real ones, I'll take either they both make me feel wonderful). I have actually used "google" and I typed in
"grief support groups _________" just continue to type your city and state. I did this and found that some local churches had some grief support, I know you said you might not want to do that, but it listed also some groups that met in hospice facilities as well.
Cindy

deleted_user 07/20/2014

Hi, I just went to a bereavement session at Hospice in my area and found they do have a group meeting every few weeks. Perhaps you may want to try your local hospice.

Carol

deleted_user 07/20/2014

Hey Carol, that's wonderful news. I hope it offers you comfort and that you meet some wonderful people there.
I am currently looking into a grief support group that meets at a church nearby, (my church doesn't offer anything like that)...I have to call and ask about child care as I have four little ones but I'm going to call them actually tomorrow I spoke to my SS teacher about it.
We shall see :)

Join the Conversation