When grieving, there’s power in support

by CJ Blomquist

Optum Health Care

It’s a powerful emotion, and one we don’t like to talk about, but grief is something we all experience in one way or another. And if the past two years have taught us anything, it’s that we can grieve for very unexpected things, such as an active social life, holidays with the family, or loved ones who have passed away.

“Grief can be a very uncomfortable emotion for people,” said Shiori Lange, a licensed clinical social worker at the Optum Health Care Center. “Too often, grief is a lonely process. When we grieve, we feel like we are doing it alone. But a lot of people are going through similar feelings. Things that we think may be odd might be entirely normal. But since we don’t talk about it with others, we don’t know any better.”

In an effort to help people in the community deal with different forms of grief, HCC senior ambassador Grecia Nunez is working with Pathways to start a support group that will ensure a safe and respectful space for everyone. Pathways is an organization that helps people discover coping tools to address difficult issues. The group, which is scheduled to begin in May, will last for seven weeks, and participants are asked to attend each week.

“The goal of the group isn’t to help you overcome grief, but to express it in healthy ways,” Lange said. “Grief is entirely natural, but it can be tricky to process it. Having some tools to help you can make a big difference. Having others to support you can really help, too.”

Lange and Pathways will be screening applicants to keep the group limited in size, which will contribute to each person feeling they are participating in a safe, comfortable environment.

For those who don’t feel comfortable participating in a group setting, it’s recommended they talk to a doctor about grieving. “With everything we have gone through the last few years, having these tools and support from our friends is vital,” Lange said. “It takes a lot of strength to know when you need help.”

For more information, contact Pathways at (562) 531-3031.