Do You Need Online Grief Support?

Are you grieving the loss of a loved one, marriage, or job and need help understanding grief? If so, you likely aren’t alone. Many people experiencing grief are starting to seek out online seminars and support groups to find grief and bereavement support on the web. In this article, we discuss the topics of grief, complicated grief, and where to find the best grief counseling and support on the internet.

What triggers grief?

Grief usually comes about as the result of a significant loss or change in life, such as the death of a loved one or the end of a relationship. It’s an often powerful and heavy feeling that can be hard to shake, even over time.

People with unresolved grief may feel disconnected from reality, anxious, or overcome with fear because they are still reeling from the unexpected event. While some of us bounce back from traumatic experiences more quickly than others, some of us can become engulfed in a complex tangle of grief that seems to have no end in sight.

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

Below are some of the common triggers for grief, followed by potential solutions for finding the best online support grief.

Trigger #1. Death of a loved one

The death of a loved one, friend, or other close contact can precede intense grief. Many people are completely caught off guard by losing someone they love. As a result, many become stuck in complex grief. Complex grief happens when those grieving just can’t see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. No matter how much time has passed, in your mind, complex grief can make you feel like your loved ones passed away just yesterday. It can seem like nothing will help. Your life, work, and relationships may begin to deteriorate as you experience complex grief.

Trigger #2. Getting fired or losing a job

Losing a job can make us feel like we’re swimming in the middle of the ocean with no land in sight. The effects of grief in this instance can become compounded when we are the sole provider or breadwinner for our families. Regardless of the reason for the job separation, we may also feel ashamed and guilty, which can compound the effects of grief.

Trigger #3. Divorce and separation

Getting divorced or separated can be a major trigger for grief. When you find yourself suddenly alone after being the other half of a relationship, starting anew can bring a sense of uncertainty about what is going to happen next. For example, if you’ve recently divorced or ended a relationship, you might feel nervous, uncomfortable, and afraid. These can all be normal reactions, as we often become used to relying on our partners and spending most of our free time with them. Grieving the loss of a relationship or marriage is a common reason that people seek grief support, therapy, or counseling.

Many people make the mistake of only joining an online grief support group to help them understand and work through challenging times. While an online grief support group can help with providing support and advice, a support group isn’t always a substitute for professional grief and loss support or grief therapy. Psychology professionals and medical doctors are trained to provide grief and loss support.

Get online grief and loss support

Some people who are unable to find affordable options sometimes form free online seminars and support groups to find relief. Connecting with others who have been through similar experiences can help you feel a sense of connection and understanding that may be hard to find elsewhere.

Online groups can also provide tips and advice for navigating grief. The more you’re able to learn and use to help yourself move forward, the more likely you may be to come out of a period of grief as a stronger version of yourself.

You can use online resources like messaging boards, forums, group chats, and even blogs to connect with people who are also experiencing grief. While you may not necessarily “need” these things, they can be very helpful when it comes to processing your emotions and finding ways to get through tough times.

Benefits of grief counseling and therapy

An online licensed therapist can help you live with the weight of grief and provide you with healthy solutions for moving on from the pain.

Talking to a licensed therapist can equip you with tools and coping strategies for managing the emotions and feelings associated with grief. The licensed therapists at Regain specialize in providing expert advice and therapy support that helps people experiencing grief, complex grief, and the shame and guilt that often accompany these feelings. 

If you think you are experiencing complicated grief or want advice from a licensed professional therapist, getting started with an online therapy service may be a better alternative to joining an online grief support group. While an online grief support group can provide emotional support, they are often unable to provide the clinical therapy and support that people with deeper mental health conditions (like complicated grief) need.

Research suggests that online therapy can be beneficial for many mental health concerns, some of which may relate to grief. Examples include conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and others that might develop as a result of untreated grief. 

No matter what kind of support you choose to pursue, what may be most important is that you take steps to help yourself realize that you aren’t alone.