Grief affects sleep, appetite, concentration and relationships, and it does not follow a timetable. Support can help, whether that is a group, a counselor, a faith community or a good book.
If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day. In an emergency, call 911.
Local starting points
- Hospice bereavement programs. Hospice organizations serving Central Florida offer grief support to families of their patients and, often, to the wider community. If your loved one received hospice care, ask the hospice about support groups and counseling.
- Your funeral home. Many funeral homes share grief resources. Postell’s Mortuary, this site’s sponsor, has a grief support page.
- Faith communities. Many churches and congregations in the Orlando area host grief support groups, including programs such as GriefShare.
- Counselors. A licensed mental health counselor who specializes in grief can help, especially after a sudden or traumatic loss. Check your insurance or employee assistance program (EAP).
National organizations
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988.
- GriefShare: a directory of faith-based grief support groups, searchable by ZIP code.
- The Compassionate Friends: support for families after the death of a child.
- Dougy Center: resources for grieving children, teens and families.
- TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors): support for families of fallen military members.
Helping children
Use simple, honest words such as “died,” answer questions briefly, and keep routines. Children’s books can help; see grief books.
Books and journals
Practical matters can wait
It is fine to postpone major decisions, such as selling a home, for a while after a loss. Ask for help with paperwork.