The death of a loved one is the most painful and stressful experience that most of us will ever go through, and it affects every system of the body, mind and spirit.  Grief from loss can be so overwhelming that it may feel as if parts of ourselves are gone forever too.  Coming to the realization that the beloved face and voice will never be seen or heard again may trigger intense feelings of shock, sadness, yearning, emptiness, loneliness, irritability, anger, and guilt.  Physical symptoms may include sleeplessness, shortness of breath or a choking feeling, heart palpitations, lack of energy or increased nervous energy, dizziness, and stomach problems.  Mood swings, confusion, lack of concentration, anxiety, fear, and "hearing" or "seeing" the loved one can convince us that we're going crazy. 

As a society, we don't deal very well with grief and the person who is experiencing feelings of intense loss is often subtly given the message to "get over it" and "move on" with life.   But because healing from loss is dependent upon being able to safely express feelings and process memories, it's essential to have someone to share them with, as is education about how to take physical care of ourselves during this stressful time through increased attention to nutrition, physical exercise, sleep, self nurturing, and relaxation. 

Wings offers support groups and individual counseling designed to offer this safe place for the sharing of intense feelings, to educate about and normalize the grieving process, and to offer hope throughout the healing process.  For more information about our bereavement care, please contact the programs coordinator at each Wings location.

           

Sally Hensley, Programs Coordinator
East Memphis location
901-683-0055 Ex 1159

Belinda Rimer, Programs Coordinator
Midtown Memphis location
901-322-0447

Latania Gillespie, Programs Coordinator
Southaven, MS location
662-996-1083