I attended one last winter. Though it was not specifically for widows and widowers, I did find it helpful. We learned the stages of grief and other information about the process. Also, hearing the stories and struggles of others was beneficial. Members are invited to meet for a group lunch once a month afterward; however, I have not been able to attend that. People quickly form alliances and become friendly. The only thing I did not like was when people got off topic, the group coordinator let them go on some, but I may have been more "picky" since I led a different kind of support group in the past. Hope your group works for you; good luck!

Hi
I'm in a support group now. The best group is one just for adults. Im glad that mine is only for widow and widower no children. This keep it on a adult level. I have found this group very helpful. We are almost all at the same time of death so we support each other because we understand. I have to say at first it was hard but each time is easier. This is a place were every one is support of you I'm so glad I joined. I would say give it a try what do you got to loss -Good Luck
Malia


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I don't know about support groups - I lost my husband 7 years ago and I think I am coping well - then I hit a day like today and I feel terrible and unhappy. Songs, memories just keep running through my head and I realize that I am just existing - I don't know what I want anymore or have any amibition to get involved and find new interests. Just feeling sorry for myself, I guess. Any comments - suggestions?

secondstar, please go to counseling! It does help!

In one of the posts recently under widowed men someone suggested www.griefshare.com so I looked it up. I typed in my zip code and found that there is a new group starting very close to me next week so I signed up. Has anyone else gone to one of these? What's interesting is not only is it at a perfect time for me (I like the idea of starting when everyone else is and I want to try it now) but - I have a friend who has been trying to convince me to visit her church. There aren't a lot of groups around and this just happens to be at her church. I'm hoping to meet some new friends.

I was told by a counsellor I wouldn't be able to go to a support group until I was 3 months into this journey, i have no idea why as I would love to find one. Hugs, Wendy

Thanks for the griefshare link. I feel that my husband would want me to go. He was a financial advisor and one of his heroes was Zig Zigler, the man who's on the websites' video for griefshare. I defintely plan to sign up with one of the groups.

I did a 5 week grief course early into my loss, I don't really remember an awful lot about it, except it was good to have somewhere to go once a week, and be with others like me who had some understanding.
We decided to meet afterwards and still meet at least twice a month - one night, one day social gatherings which are fun and we laugh a lot. We found it a comfortable safe way to get out into the world, and have doubled in number from word of mouth thenagain by linking with another group who live about an hour away, so we now include each other when making plans.
We have all ended up doing things we may not have, going to different places, trying new things, but it is nice, to belong, feel safe, be understood and to have fun for a while, no expectations and no responsibility plus opportunities to establish closer friendships and more intimate conversations - if you want to.
Hope this helps, All the best with your group!

I am doing the griefshare program right now. It has been a blessing as it is close and that is is open and friendly. Patswife, I don't know why your counselor told you that. Hospice has a ongoing support group that is open to any one. Attend each one, or those that are most convenient for you. I have tried a few different ones. I was asked not to come back to one group because I apparently was a threat to some of the widows there. I am finding the griefshare program insightful because it deals not only with our grief, but with other topics like our family and grief, and the question " Why?". Each session is it's own subject so if you have to miss one night it's ok. Sort of a rambling answer but I hope it helped.