As many of us know personally, grief changes people. And sometimes, finding a community that understands what they are going through is a critical step in processing that grief.
In recognition of National Grief Awareness Day, we’ve been sharing resources that assist in grieving. We hope these resources empower you to connect with others so that more people get the support they need in navigating the grieving process.
Death Doulas
Death doulas are trained professionals who provide non-medical care at the end of life by providing knowledgeable and empathetic support to explore end-of-life choices and come to terms with dying. The resources below provide more in-depth information about death doulas and how to request them.
- The Dying Year: Merilynne Rush provides end-of-life doulas training and myriad resources about death doulas.
- End-Of-Life Doula or Bedside Attendant Intake: For those looking to connect directly with an end-of-life doula, The American Clinicians Academy on Medical Aid in Dying (ACAMAID) offers referrals for Academy-trained and verified doulas by filling out their intake form.
Death with Dignity Bereavement Groups
Bereavement groups aim to bring people together who share the experience of losing a loved one and, with the help of others, learn to process their associated grief. For those who’ve had loved ones use medical aid in dying, two grief groups are especially relevant:
- End of Life Choices California: “Navigating Grief After MAID” is a free virtual group available to anyone nationwide.
- Grief to Hope: “MAID Bereavement Support Group” is an 8-week group offered by Grief to Hope Counseling in partnership with New Jersey Death with Dignity. Sessions are online and facilitated by a certified grief counselor.
Learning about grief and the digital world
In today’s world, technology has changed the way we die and the way we grieve. For many of us, the most complete records of who we are, what we do, and who we interact with are not physical possessions but instead digital. When people die now, they leave vast records of themselves, which become a part of how loved ones remember and grieve for them.
To help grasp what a digital legacy may look like and how it fits into the long-term process of experiencing the grief of losing a loved one, read this beautiful story about how one writer’s mother is preparing for her death and the ways she will live on digitally.
Thank you for joining us in recognizing National Grief Awareness Day. To make sure as many folks as possible get the comfort they may need, take a moment to share these incredible resources with those who may be experiencing grief and introduce them to the Death with Dignity movement.