When you’re grieving, it can feel like you are in the loneliest place in the world. Even if you’re surrounded by friends and family who love you, the ache of loss can make you feel like no one really understands what you’re going through.

And honestly? That’s because often they don’t.

Grief has this unique way of isolating us. Maybe your friends or family are grieving the same loss, but they’re processing it in their own way—and it’s so different from yours that it feels like you’re living in separate worlds.

Or maybe they haven’t experienced a loss like yours at all, and while they try to support you, they just don’t have the words or the tools to truly connect with your pain.

I didn’t have access to a grief support group when I needed one the most—I didn’t even know such a thing existed. Instead, I grieved alone, stumbling through the darkness and trying to find my footing. It wasn’t easy, and looking back, I wish I’d known that a grief support group could have made all the difference.

Eventually, my own journey led me to become a grief professional. As part of my training, I was invited to sit in on grief support groups—and later, to facilitate them. That experience opened my eyes. I learned what works and what doesn’t, what creates a safe and healing environment, and how profoundly people can support one another in the midst of loss.

Now, I lead my own group—Awaken Grief Support Program—and it’s a space that is just as healing for me as it is for the members. We find comfort in seeing ourselves in each other, knowing we’re not alone in our struggles.

How Grief Support Groups Can Change Everything

Finding the right grief support group can transform your healing journey. Here’s how:

1. You feel seen and understood. There’s a profound relief in being surrounded by people who truly “get it.” You don’t have to explain or justify your feelings—they’ve been there too.
2. You stop feeling so alone. Grief can feel like a solitary experience, but being part of a group reminds you that you’re not alone. There’s strength in community, and it helps to know others are walking this path with you.
3. You gain tools to navigate the pain. The right group doesn’t just provide emotional support—it also offers practical strategies for coping, whether through mindfulness, journaling, or other exercises that ease the burden of loss.
4. You find hope. Seeing others further along in their healing can remind you that, while grief doesn’t disappear, it can become more manageable—and you can find moments of peace and even joy again.
5. You rediscover yourself. A good support group helps you rebuild your life after loss. You’ll start to reconnect with who you are outside of your grief and begin to find purpose in a world that feels forever changed.

Not All Grief Support Groups Are the Same

Here’s something I’ve learned along the way: not every grief support group will be the right fit for everyone, and that’s okay. Grief is deeply personal, and so is the way we find support.

Some groups are casual and unstructured, while others follow a set curriculum or offer specific tools, like mindfulness practices or journaling exercises. Some are led by a facilitator with professional training, while others are peer-led, meaning the group runs itself.

How to Choose the Right Group for You

If you’re considering a grief support group, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Look for a group that matches your needs. Do you want a space to share your feelings openly, or are you looking for practical tools to navigate grief? Make sure the group’s focus aligns with what you’re seeking.
2. Consider the facilitator. A trained professional can provide guidance and structure, while a peer-led group can offer camaraderie and shared experience. Both have their strengths, so think about what feels best for you.
3. Assess the group dynamic. Some groups feel warm and welcoming right away, while others might not click. It’s okay to trust your gut—if it doesn’t feel right, you’re not obligated to stay.
4. Be willing to try again. If one group doesn’t work for you, it doesn’t mean none of them will. Finding the right fit can take time, but it’s worth the effort.

Awaken: A Support Group That Understands

That’s exactly why I created Awaken, a grief support group built on everything I’ve learned—both as someone who has grieved and as a grief professional. Awaken combines evidence-based tools like mindfulness and journaling with the supportive community that only a group setting can offer.

In Awaken, we honor your grief as it is, without judgment or expectations. Whether you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just tired of carrying the weight alone, we’re here to walk with you.

If you’re grieving alone, I want you to know that support is out there. It may take some trial and error, but the right group can make a world of difference. And if you’re ready to explore what Awaken has to offer, I invite you to join us. Together, we’ll navigate the waves of grief and find strength in the shared experience of healing.

You don’t have to do this alone. There’s a place for you here.