Lost A Loved One? Get Free Grief Support at Hospice of the East Bay

Dealing with the death of a friend or family member can be a traumatic experience — and one that many of us have to deal with alone.

Society encourages those grieving to "get over it and get on with life," explains the Hospice Center of the East Bay on its website, but this only leads to "further pain and isolation."

The center is based right here in Pleasant Hill, and aims to help those struggling with grief by providing information and offering grief support groups, education and services. The Bereavement Services Program is open to the community and includes free support groups, including those specifically for widows and widower's as well as adults dealing with the loss of a parent.

An "Understanding Grief" class is scheduled for Sept. 19. View the full bereavement services calendar here.

Pre-registration is required and all classes and groups are free, although donations are accepted. Call (925) 887-5681 to join a group or attend a class.

No registration is required for the drop-in bereavement support group, which meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hospice of the East Bay, 3470 Buskirk Avenue, Pleasant Hill.

"Sharing thoughts and feelings with others who understand and care is known to be one of the most helpful ways to heal grief," says the Hospice of the East Bay.

Have you ever joined a support group or attended a class to help deal with grief? Share your experience in the comments.